Why does racial discrimination and inequality remain a problem in modern society? By now, most people accept that the idea that ‘race’, when used to describe people, is not a biological fact, but a social construct. However, explaining how this social construction works in practice can be difficult.
This course aims to remedy that difficulty. Using the Netherlands as a case study, it provides historical context and concrete examples of how ‘race’ has functioned as a legal concept throughout history and how laws regulating race have adapted to the postcolonial, some say even post-racial world. By examining how race is enacted through laws in different eras and territories, we will get to the central question of why racial inequality and discrimination persist.
Course overview
- Course dates: 6-17 July 2026 (excluding arrival and departure days)
- Attendance: In-person
- Forms of tuition: Lectures, discussions, visits and group projects
- Forms of assessment: Project including project proposal and presentation
- See the course curriculum
Course level
- Level: Final year Bachelor's
- English language requirement: B2 level or higher (equivalent to IELTS 6.5)
- See the entry requirements
Workload
- Credits: Equivalent to 3 ECTS
- Contact hours: 46
- Self-study hours: 38
Lecturers