Current semester courses

I. Dutch Language Courses:

Dutch 1 – Elementary Dutch

Prerequisites: None

In this beginner’s course, students will familiarize themselves with the basics of Dutch: its sounds and spelling, its grammatical structure, and its vocabulary. The class focuses on oral communication with an emphasis on vocabulary: learning words and learning how to use these words. By reading texts and dialogues (and listening to the audio version), students will build their vocabulary. In class they will get the opportunity to practice their newly learned words and phrases. By the end of the semester, students will be able to express themselves in speaking and in writing about a variety of topics, including introducing yourself, time, living, studying, traveling, and talking about present and past situations.

Esmée van der Hoeven, M-W 12-2PM + F 1-2PM, 5 units.

Dutch 2 - Intermediate Dutch

Prerequisites: Dutch 1 or equivalent

In Dutch 2, students’ knowledge of Dutch vocabulary and grammar will be expanded and put into practice. As in Dutch 1, the focus lies on further developing speaking and writing skills. Each week is dedicated to a theme, which forms the heart of the readings and discussions. Students will be able to engage in conversations in Dutch and write about various topics covered in class. Topics include geography of the Netherlands, the Dutch cuisine, history, painting in the Golden Age, the constitutional monarchy, national holidays and traditions, Vincent van Gogh, and more. Students will conclude this semester by giving a short presentation in Dutch.

Esmée van der Hoeven, M-W 2-4P + F 2-3P, 5 units.

II. Courses in Dutch History, Culture, Linguistics and Literature: (in English)

Dutch 171 A/C - From New Amsterdam to New York: Race, Culture and Identity in New Netherland

This course deals with the early Dutch history of New York, the former New Amsterdam. Traditionally it has been argued that modern American history has English roots onto which, over time, cultures from many other nations were grafted to create a multicultural society that became a multiethnic model for progressive societies all over the world. This course will question this perspective and argue that the contemporary multicultural and liberal model is by no means a deviation from an “originally Christian, Puritan America” but rather the realization of a type of society similar to the one that already existed in the Dutch settlement on Manhattan, and which was later to become New York. We will argue that there are good reasons to justify that the multicultural, liberal, tolerant, multi-lingual United States of today are not a deviation from how America used to be, but rather the realization of a type of society that was initiated in 17th-century New Netherland.We will complement this vision, however, with indigenous and African-American voices in and about New Netherland.We will pay attention to the connection between the Dutch settlement on the American East Coast and the Dutch strongholds in the Caribbean that were developing into major centers of slave trade.In the final part of this course, we will draw conclusions from our study of the subaltern voice of the Other (the indigenous, the African American) in order to critically analyze the major faults of the Dutch colonial society in New Netherland. These conclusions will enable us to discuss the apparent contradiction between the liberal, tolerant, multicultural society that grew under Dutch role on the American East Coast and the existence of slavery as well as the military campaigns against the indigenous population.Prerequisites: none, all readings and discussion in English. Dutch 171 satisfies the American Cultures Requirement.

Jeroen Dewulf, Tu-Th 3:30P-5P