Doel vak

Students who complete the course successfully will have knowledge of
important features and specimens of Dutch Renaissance literature and
culture in a European context. They will be able to recognise, name and
describe different literary genres, and analyse their social, political
and historical functions, relating them to relevant developments and
events; relate Renaissance literary texts to biblical and/or classical
sources; trace, find, study, criticise and use secondary material, both
in word and in image, in libraries, museums, and on the internet;
question and discuss their material; express their findings both orally
and on paper.

Inhoud vak

This course focuses on Dutch literature and culture of the Golden Age
(approx. 1550-1700) within the context of the Renaissance as a European
movement. Literary texts will be related to other cultural products and
to their historical, political and philosophical background. The main
questions to be answered are: 1. How did Dutch authors imitate and
emulate Renaissance genres, following the examples of Italian and French
authors? 2. How and why did Dutch authors respond to, and take part in,
political and religious debates in the Dutch Republic? 3. How and why
did Dutch artists cooperate in the making of books, prints, paintings
and buildings? Part of this course is a group excursion to the former
Town Hall (Royal Palace) at Dam Square, Amsterdam.

Onderwijsvorm

One seminar of 2 hrs a week. In preparation for each class, students
will read literary texts and academic articles and make weekly
assignments. The articles and assignments will be discussed in class.
Active participation in class discussion is encouraged.

Toetsvorm

Written in-class exam (100%). Grades will be given on a scale from 1 to
10.

Vereiste voorkennis

Students need to be able to read and discuss academic texts in English.

Literatuur

To be announced through Canvas.

Doelgroep

Exchange students; students taking the minor 'European History and
Culture 1200-1800'. Additionally, this course is open to all students
interested in Dutch literature and culture from the early modern period
(e.g. third year students of MKDA, History, Literature & Society).

Overige informatie

This course is part of the minor ‘European History and Culture
1200-1800'. Class attendance is compulsory. Missing one class (with
notification beforehand) is allowed; missing two classes needs to be
compensated with an extra assignment; missing three classes or more
means that the student can no longer take part in the course. Part of
this course is an obligatory group excursion to the former Town Hall
(Royal Palace) at Dam Square, Amsterdam.