Dutch Literature and Culture of the Golden Age

COURSE OBJECTIVE
Students completing 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.

COURSE CONTENT
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.

TEACHING METHODS
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.

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

REMARKS
Part of this course is an obligatory group excursion to the former Town Hall (Royal Palace) at Dam Square, Amsterdam.