Structure of the bachelor's programme
- First year: emphasis on language acquisition, introductory subjects in all sub-fields.
In your first year, you will have to work hard to master the Dutch language. You will learn to speak, write and understand the language, while at the same time studying the grammar and broadening your vocabulary. At the end of your first year you will have attained a substantial level of Dutch. Apart from the language acquisition, you will attend lectures in art history and culture and society. During the lecture called "An Introduction to Dutch Studies, Language Analysis and Literature in Context", you will learn about the other sub-fields of Dutch Studies. You will also acquire general academic skills: you will learn how to conduct scientific research and how to write reports on your findings.
What will your first year look like?
- Second year: building on the first-year subjects, structured minor
In your second year, language acquisition continues to play an important role. Slowly but surely, you will learn to speak Dutch fluently and to recognize the nuances of the language. More and more you will be able to understand and take part in conversations with native speakers of Dutch. In addition, you will attend more in-depth lectures in sub-areas which you have encountered in your first year. These include lectures in modern and historical linguistics and in Dutch history and literature. During this year you will learn how to conduct independent research.
- Third year: structured minor and bachelor’s assignment
In your third year, the emphasis in the language acquisition lectures is on grammar in writing and further extending your vocabulary. In the lectures on translation, you will learn about theoretical and practical aspects of this subject. In the third year, a large part of the study consists of a minor. In this minor, you will make a more in-depth study of one of the sub-areas or specialisations. The study coordinator can help you make up your mind about about your programme. During this minor, you will take classes together with native Dutch students.
Choose your own path
- Bachelor assignment
- You will conclude your bachelor’s study with a bachelor’s assignment. You discuss the topic of the assignment with one of your lecturers. This topic will be in line with your own interests and the sub-areas you specialised in.
Examples of bachelor’s assignments:
- Linguistics: The acquisition of the definite and indefinite category by Slavic learners of Dutch as a second language.
- Cultural and art history: Post mortem on the immortalisation of those who have died while young. An art and cultural historic comparison between 17th century painted and 19th century photographed death portraits of children.
- History: A well-intentioned but incomplete work. The relationship between the shortcomings in the introduction of ethical politics and the development of the national movement in the Dutch East Indies.
- Literature: The life of women in 19th century Netherlands and the reflection of this in the Camera Obscura (1839).
