European Cultures and Identities

Have you ever wondered what makes Europeans ‘European’? During this course you will uncover the answers while staying in the beautiful medieval city of Utrecht. You will uncover Europe’s cultural pluralism and examine its varied identities that still exist today; even though the majority of European countries is progressively collaborating on an economic and political level. Each of Europe’s countries and peoples still carry their own distinctive cultures, languages, political views, religions, and traditions. Overall, this course offers an introduction to Europe, a continent of great diversity.

The themes we will study during your stay in Utrecht, will help you to understand the complicated structure of Europe. We will shed some light on the motives for integration as well as the obstacles on the way to European unity. You will engage with topics such as the emergence and construction of national identities, national identity versus European identity, the cultural heritage of Europe, and the processes of globalisation and transnational collaboration. Lectures will focus on the history, social and economic structures, culture, and current political and social debates within the wider European community. In light of these last topics we will organise a field trip to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the European Parliament in Brussels. All in all, a thought-provoking and inspiring course where you will experience an intensive two-week programme with lectures and seminar groups. Together with other students you are expected to work on group presentations and assignments.

This course is part of the track 'Dutch Culture in a European Context' and track 'European Studies'.

Course leader

Dr. Dmitri Levitin

Target group

The programme is especially designed for students coming from countries outside Europe. The course has a focus on the humanities and social sciences. It offers a broad framework forming an excellent preparation for other Summer School culture courses as well.

Course aim

The aim of this course is to introduce the participants to the social and cultural aspects of the nations within the European Community. The course will study both the development towards a united Europe and the enduring diversity of national cultures and identities within Europe.