Amsterdam: A Historical Introduction

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Amsterdam: A Historical Introduction

  • Host University

    Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

  • Location

    Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  • Area of Study

    European Studies, History

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    6
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    3
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    4
  • Overview

    COURSE OBJECTIVE
    ]The learning goals are gaining basic knowledge (concepts and theories) about urban history, in particular related to the spatial dimensions of urban history, and being able to answer written questions about that; also applying urban history knowledge and insight on concrete case-studies, with the aid texts, maps, concrete objects, and other visual materials. Forming an opinion on issues such as heritage questions and communicating those to several types of readership is also an important aim of this course.

    COURSE CONTENT
    This course is an excellent opportunity to acquire knowledge about and insight in Urban History. The course has a spatial-historical focus. Key-words are social-economic and ecological history, architecture, culture, urban design, and heritage. How did a town develop and how can this be explained? What plans existed for city development and who decided about choices? What were and are characteristic buildings? Who migrated to the town and who lived where? How does a town relate to its natural environment like water bodies and to the surrounding countryside? How does a town organize its hygiene, like drinking water an green space? The course presents the urban history of Amsterdam from the Middle Ages until the early 21st century.This course is attended by students from many nationalities and contributes to your skills to operate in an international classroom.

    TEACHING METHODS
    Lectures, seminars, assigments, and weekly excursions (practicum) on foot and by bike.

    TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
    Written assignments (20%) and a final written exam (80%). Presence at lectures and excursions is mandatory.

    RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
    A first year (level 100) course in history or architectural history or urban studies.

    REMARKS
    This course is one of the three core modules focused on spatial history of the minor 'Amsterdam Urban History.' The others are 'Amsterdam: Global Historical Perspectives' and 'Amsterdam: Comparing Heritage Projects'.

Course Disclaimer

Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences 

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