Early Modern Dutch Reading Skills Short Course

Next start dates:  8th April, 6th May, 3rd June

Click here to view the Early Modern Dutch Reading Skills Study Guide

This is a tutor-supported online course teaching reading skills in a specialised form of Dutch, i.e. Early Modern Dutch (i.e. sixteenth and seventeenth-century Dutch). The course is primarily aimed at English-speaking university students and researchers who already have a beginner's knowledge of Modern Dutch and who want to learn to read texts that were written in the Dutch Golden Age. If you already have an intermediate/advanced level of Dutch but little acquaintance with the language of the sixteenth and seventeenth century you may be interested in the second part of the course which is entirely in Dutch and specifically aimed at developing reading skills in Dutch texts from the period.

Joost van den Vondel

The course consists of two parts. The first part is geared to general comprehension of Dutch. The language of instruction is English. You practise your reading skills through various tasks and exercises on vocabulary, grammar and syntax, and content. The second part consists of three so-called Specialist Modules. In these Modules, which are entirely in Dutch, you learn to read texts in the original language. The first of the three Specialist Modules covers historical texts from the period. The second module deals with sixteenth and seventeenth-century texts on art, and the third covers original texts that are important for the history of Early Modern Dutch culture.

You choose the module which is most closely associated with your own specialist subject. You again practise your reading through various tasks on the original spelling, early modern grammar and syntax, and vocabulary. All text material is authentic. Some exercises are self-scoring and self-correcting, but the majority needs to be mailed to the course tutor for feedback.

An important feature of the course are the videoconferences between you and your tutor. They allow you to interact directly with your tutor and to get feedback, advice and guidance.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course you will have:

  • the ability to read Early Modern Dutch;
  • insight into the Early Modern Period in the Netherlands;
  • insight into language structure and good self-study skills

What Materials Do You Need for this Course?

You need internet access and a computer and webcam as described in our Computer Specifications section. The only printed book you need is a translating dictionary (Dutch/English, English/Dutch).

Course Delivery

The course is taught by Dr An Vanderhelst. She helps you with the course materials and provides feedback on your written and oral work. You can also ask her for advice and guidance. The course is taught by means of a web environment and webcam-type tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment is based on (online submitted) coursework.

Course Fees

 Click here for course fees and further information

To sign up for the course, complete and submit this form.

Page last modified on 06 mar 13 13:50 by James A Green