DUTCH STUDIES

---

Welcome to Dutch Studies!

Located at the estuary of some of Europe’s most important rivers, the Netherlands represents a vital economic artery of the European continent. This location enabled the Netherlands to become a center of international trade. As a result, it was not the aristocracy, as in most European nations, but the citizenry that shaped Dutch culture and identity. Its strong attachment to freedom is what makes the Netherlands so unique in the world; this is reflected in the liberties of Flemish citizens in the early Middle Ages, in Dutch tolerance towards Jewish and Protestant refugees in the 17th century and in contemporary liberal policies such as the legalization of soft drugs, gay marriage and euthanasia, which have made the Netherlands into a European model for progressiveness. This singular development has been accompanied by splendid cultural achievements in painting, architecture and literature right through contemporary dance and design.

Dutch Studies offers you many facets of this intriguing culture, both in English-taught courses on Dutch cultural history, literature and linguistics and Dutch language courses. While in Europe, Dutch is the mother tongue of approximately 23 million people (some 17 million in the Netherlands and 6 million in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium), it is also spoken in other parts of the world, like the Caribbean and, although in a creolized form, in South Africa. Due to its colonial past, Dutch history is also world history. Through a broad curriculum, Dutch Studies offers a critical reflection on the multicultural past and present of the Netherlands. Few European countries have as profound a legacy as the Netherlands in both colonial and post-colonial studies.  Some of its best literature has been written in the former Dutch East Indies. But traces of Dutch influence can be found all over the world, even in the United States. Every American knows at least some Dutch words, dating back to the former colony of New Amsterdam, present-day New York City. In the sentence Santa Claus eats a pancake, a cookie and a waffle for a snack every noun is of Dutch origin. Dutch Studies invites you cordially to go beyond these words and to open the treasure-trove of a compelling culture, literature and language.

NEW- Multicultural Netherlands Project http://dutch.berkeley.edu/mcnl/index.php/Main Page

USLI - Dutch Studies http://dutch.berkeley.edu/USLI.html