Description
Language acquisition is one of the main objectives in the first year of the Dutch Studies curriculum. However, learning a language is far more interesting when you study the culture in the same time. The Department of Dutch Studies uses a broad definition of the notion ‘Culture’, and therefore a wide range of subjects are studied in our BA-program: linguistics, literature and (art) history.
This course aims at giving a first introduction to Dutch culture and society. It also offers a first taste of what it is like to study Dutch Studies. Many different subjects will pass in review: Geography – History – Population – Economics – the Multi-Cultural Society – Politics – the History of Dutch Language – Dutch as a World Language – Second Language Research – Dutch Literature – Migrant Literature – Harry Mulisch’ The Assault (novel and film)
To stimulate students to see more of the Netherlands than just Leiden and Amsterdam, an individual fieldtrip, rounded off with a City Report (2000 words), is part of the course.
Teaching method
Lectures
Individual field trip and City Report
Admission requirements
None
Course objectives
After this course, students
have basic knowledge of various topics of Dutch Culture and Society
have a first impression of the field of research of Dutch Language and Literature
have basic knowledge of the city they visit for their City Report
are able to write a report
Course load
Total Study load is 140 hours:
25 class meeting (incl. test)
35 class preparation
25 individual field trip and city report
55 preparation for the test
Required reading
Reader – available at the Studiepunt Letteren.
Other materials available on Blackboard.
Harry Mulisch, The Assault (novel, translated in many languages).
Test method
City Report 25%.
Written test with essay questions 75%.
Time table
Click here for the time table of Dutch Studies.
Information
Coordinator: Mrs. L. Winkelmolen (l.m.winkelmolen@hum.leidenuniv.nl)
Study coordinator Dutch Studies: Mrs. I. Zagar (i.zagar@hum.leidenuniv.nl)
Registration
Please contact the study coördinator.
Blackboard
Blackboard is used in this course to:
give general and detailed information on the course
put course materials at student’s disposal
give sample questions for the test
communicate with students if necessary
Please enroll in Blackboard.
Remarks
This course is compulsory for Dutch Studies students.