The emphasis is on developing knowledge of major themes in the history of the Low Countries and on information-gathering and analytical skills. This is a survey of economic, social, political and cultural change in the Netherlands and Belgium from the inter-war period to the present. The course serves as an introduction to more advanced study of contemporary Dutch and Belgian history in the second year of study. An introductory course taught in the Spring Term of the first year. Weeks 1 to 4 are devoted to reading comprehension of set texts.
Students complete reading reports to establish the degree of linguistic competence.
In weeks 5 to 8 the amount of set reading increases. Discussions focus on literary analysis. Students offer short presentations, both written and oral. Weeks 9 and 10 are given to in-depth analysis of a set novella in the context of the author's work. Independent reading leads to a short essay.