Utrecht, Netherlands

Dutch Culture: History and Art

During this course you will be introduced to the rich cultural traditions developed in the Netherlands from the 17th Century to the present day in artistic fields such as painting, literature, poetry and film-making. The question of Dutch identity will be explored by placing the history of the Netherlands and Dutch art in a wider European Perspective.

This will then lead to exploring traditions of literacy, cosmopolitanism, tolerance, its connections to the wider world, and the challenges that were encountered during periods of war and upheaval.

This course is devoted to two specific themes: History (1) and Art (2)

Theme 1: Dutch Identity and History - We will start with several lectures that will give you insight in distinctive historical periods of Dutch history. Topics that will be discussed include: development of the Netherlands during the Middle Ages, the Dutch religious landscape and the prints and cartography of the Dutch Golden Age. We will make good use of the fact that the course is taught in the beautiful medieval city of Utrecht. You will be able to really step into history through a historical city walk and a visit to one of Utrecht's excellent museums.

Theme 2: History of Art & Architecture - Within the historical context of the preceding topics, you will be introduced to the cultural expressions and traditions that support the Dutch in their claim to international fame as a cultural nation. During this part of the course, lecturers will discuss early modern, modern and contemporary art and architecture in the Netherlands, including Land Art, touching upon famous artists such as Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, Judith Leyster, Vincent van Gogh, Mondrian, Charley Toorop, Rineke Dijkstra, Iris van Herpen and others. This week a day trip to Amsterdam takes place, where you will visit among other places, the Rijksmuseum.

You will experience an intensive two-week programme with lectures and seminar groups during which you are expected to participate in discussions and work on assignments and group presentations.

NB: This course is part of the track 'Dutch Culture in a European Context' and track 'Discovering the Dutch: Dutch Culture and Society'.

Course leader

TBA

Target group

The programme is open to students from all discipline. The course will focus on the humanities and social sciences.

Course aim

This course introduces participants to the history of the Netherlands and Dutch art.

Fee info

EUR 975: Course + course materials
EUR 450: Housing fee (optional)