Prospectus

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Introduction to Dutch Studies

Course
2010-2011

Admission requirements

None.

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 – the History of Dutch Language – Dutch as a World Language – Second Language Research – Dutch Literature.
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.

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

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

Timetable

Click here for the time table of Dutch Studies.

Mode of instruction

Lectures
Individual field trip and City Report

Assessment method

City Report 25%.
Written test with essay questions 75%.

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.

Reading list

Reader – available at the Studiepunt Letteren.
Other materials available on Blackboard.
Harry Mulisch, The Assault (novel, translated in many languages).

Registration

Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Study in Leiden website for information on how to apply.

Contact

Coordinator: Mrs. L. Winkelmolen (l.m.winkelmolen@hum.leidenuniv.nl)
Study coordinator Dutch Studies: Mrs. I. Zagar (i.zagar@hum.leidenuniv.nl)

Remarks

This course is compulsory for Dutch Studies students.