Micro-credential Low Countries Studies
Kunst en cultuur
Kunst en cultuur
Imagine: you move, for whatever reason, to a foreign country and suddenly find yourself part of a society you know nothing about. You are unfamiliar with its customs, history, culture... . A course to learn more about the country where you are staying would be welcome, wouldn't it? Low Countries Studies aims to reach those people who are finding themselves in this situation in Flanders and is, in other words, meant for people from abroad who want to get to know their new homeland. Of course, anyone wanting to learn more about Flanders, Belgium and the Netherlands is welcome, too!
Various aspects of Flemish society are treated during this course: you not only gain insight into the history, but also into the actuality of Belgium, and more broadly, the Low Countries. By learning more about the historical, social, economic, political and cultural situation of the Low Countries, you also learn to reflect on your own cultural identity.
In the past few years Low Countries Studies has been a success and welcomes participants originating from over fifty different countries all over the world, from Australia to Zambia.
On Wednesday evenings
14 February to 15 May 2024 from 17:30-18:45 and from 19:00-20:15
in Ghent, Blandijnberg 2 and Hoveniersberg
Content:
Basic introduction to the Dutch language
The Urban Roots of Medieval Europe: the contribution of the cities of Flanders
Geography and landscapes of the Low Countries
Rubens or Rembrandt? Art, Politics and the Roots of Belgium and the Netherlands in the 16th and 17th centuries
Literature and Rebellion in Ghent since the Middle Ages
The Media in Flanders
The Belgian federation: origins, functioning, prospects
Polyphonic Music in the Low Countries
The position of Flanders in the Belgian Economy
Ending life and procreating in Flanders and in the Netherlands
The Low Countries and (post)colonial history
The Language of Whiteness in Dutch and Beyond
either you write a reflection on the entire programme: what was interesting, what are the most striking differences with your home country, which subjects were clearly lacking (always thoroughly substantiated);
or you write an essay on one topic from the course, comparing thoroughly the situation in Belgium with the situation in your home country. The comparison must be accompanied by a reflection on the differences. The essays are expected at the latest on Tuesday, 31 May, 23:59 and should be handed in via Ufora (A005539A - Low Countries Studies). Under the tab ‘Ufora-tools’ there is an ‘Assignment’ called ‘Essay’.