Dutch Studies - Course information
Language CoursesAt Sheffield you can start studying Dutch from scratch, meaning you need no previous knowledge of Dutch. If you already speak some Dutch you can skip the beginners programme and enter at an appropriate level. All our language classes are informal and taught in small groups. The emphasis is always on real language in real situations. Right from the start of the course you will be encouraged to speak as much as possible; after all, the best way to learn is by doing. Dutch Studies
We offer courses on contemporary society and literature of the Netherlands and Flanders and on several linguistic topics. Our small groups teaching means that you have real influence on your course. Many of our courses are aimed at making the most of your position: as a (native) speaker of English you will be in a prime position to negotiate Dutch issues for a global audience. |
Year AbroadDepending on your specific degree you can spend 5 months or even 10 months in the Netherlands or Flanders during your third year. There are three options available to you:
Many of our students describe this year as the best of their university career; this is your chance to truly experience another culture and get to know people from across the world. The experiences you have on your year abroad often go a long way to shaping your future. Here is a student year abroad video: |
Depending on your degree programme you can also opt for Dutch Studies modules. This is the opportunity to put your language skills in the cultural context.Student at the centre of the learning process – Examples
CitybooksDutch at Sheffield is a key partner in an EU-literary project called citybooks. The project is all about catching a cities in words and images and not the glossy touristy type. This was an excellent opportunity for our students to get involved and explore the impact and significance of stories and story-telling on where we are, who we are and what we would like to be. The course included a creative writing element, which was offered by one of Sheffield’s citybook authors, Agnes Lehóczky. Under her inspiring guidance the students identified ten streets, parks, buildings or forgotten corners of Sheffield. Each student captured their chosen site using their own observation, imagination, creativity and historical research. The end product was a collaborative citybook: Beyond Sheffield Train Station which can be read and listened to as an e-book and an audio book (podcast)alongside the artists' citybooks. Some students performed their citybook contriubtion during the launch party. |
Windows on Dutch CultureIn May 2012 a group of final year students of Dutch put together their own conference. The target audience were fellow students of Dutch and anybody interested in Dutch Studies within or outside of the University. Their theme: Windows on Dutch Culture. Drawing on their own research and experience as language and culture learners, they put together a series of lively presentations on aspects of Dutch culture while at the same time trying to get to grips with the concept of culture itself: What is it? Why does is seem so important? Is it just Rembrandt or does it include football and politics? How do thinkers and researchers define culture and how can we transfer cultural knowledge in a classroom situation? The students shaped and organised the event themselves and the conference was a prime example of how theory and practical execution can come together. For more information, please check the conference website, and watch the video below. |
Examples of Option Modules
- Dutch Language and Culture for Specialists
- Society and Culture in Dutch 1 & 2
- Dutch Practical Project Module
- Dutch Sociolinguistics
- Germanic Sisters
