Get introduced to general trends in global history
You will study two handbooks on Medieval and Early Modern History, an introduction to Dutch history, and specific sources and literature on transatlantic and colonial history. Finally, you will learn more about historical methods in Oral History & Biography.
Often, the perception of the Netherlands at home and abroad is ridden with stereotypes. It is a country of cheese, herring and coffeeshops. Canals, clogs, windmills and a very liberal attitude to life choices are also elements in this imagery. The struggle against water is yet another recurring theme in the way the Dutch are perceived and see themselves. In this course, you will study the last 500 years of Dutch history and discover the connections with current times.
The long-distance covered by humanity has resulted in the world we are in today. Throughout the past, people and movements have worked towards offering the world a different face. Without the close study of that past, much of the present world cannot be understood. This course presents a concise overview of the major episodes in European cultural history, from Classical Antiquity and the Middle Ages to early modern, modern and contemporary history, thereby highlighting the links with art and culture.
The course focuses on the impact of European imperialism on the dynamics of nation-state formation starting from ‘postwar’ Europe. You will study the political developments after the Second World War and how they had their influence on culture.
In this course, you will analyse seven themes about human interaction where the Atlantic plays a central role. The Atlantic Space itself only started developing when it could be crossed, and the interaction that follows is based on the exchange of goods, ideas and people. At times, this happened peacefully , but perhaps more often on the basis of violence, forced migration and slave labour. The themes cover all kinds of aspects (culture, socio-politics, economics) and together, they help us understand the complexity of the Transatlantic connections.
This course prepares you to do oral and biographical historical research, a skill that you will also practise. You will find that you can expand your knowledge by studying journals and books about the biographical method. You will also learn to create a biographical portrait.