De informatie over dit programma is beschikbaar in de volgende talen:

• English

This concept can be applied ideally to the political field, for example for social movements, political parties and parliaments, as well as to the use of symbols and material objects. This means that not only will you look at the history of the political culture and national identities of specific countries, such as the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany or Russia, but that you will also analyse how these countries are influenced from outside through the process of ‘cultural transfer’ — in other words, the adaptation of foreign examples or the inspiration emanating from them. Because the study of the way national politics and identities are conceived is a new research area, students taking this master’s will be at the forefront of this new approach.

Political Culture and National Identities in Europe

You will focus on the connections between the different national cases in Europe. The concept of ‘cultural transfer’ will be transferred to the political domain, for instance with regard to social movements, parties, parliaments and the use of symbols and material objects. In addition, also European and international or supra-national organisations, such as those involved in post-War European unification, can be studied as platforms of cultural and political transfer.

Questions concerning national identity, the EU, democracy and populism are frequently to be seen on the front pages of newspapers. They are also at the centre of many debates between historians and other groups in society. By studying these issues you will be qualified to contribute to these debates.

The programme in the last few years offered research seminars on (among other things):

• The influence of international debates on the Irish Revolution of 1916-1923
• The social, political and cultural impact of the First World War on Germany, the Netherlands and the UK
• Tourism and the Creation of National Identity
• The Power of Organising and the Rise of Democracy, ca. 1780-1914

American history

Americans like to view their nation as a uniquely successful experiment in democracy and liberty, blessed by God, and with a duty to spread their example throughout the world. You will have the opportunity to explore this idea through a critical analysis of the politics and culture of the United States. You follow courses on (for example):

• Influential interpretations of American history
• The civil rights movement
• American popular music
• A comparative study of public housing in Chicago and Amsterdam

The political debate: history and rhetoric

Since the recent electoral success of such politicians as Fortuyn, Wilders and Marijnissen, the political debate in the Netherlands has been in the spotlight. The debating style of politicians and members of the House of Representatives is under discussion in television programmes and the print media. What makes a person good in debates? What may you say and what may you not say? And how important is the way a politician presents himself?

You will learn about the different forms of political discussion and the issues surroundingisthe rules of debate. You will attend lectures on the historical development of the debating culture in the Netherlands, the linguistic, argumentation and rhetorical analysis of the political debate. You will also be trained in debating by the Netherlands Debating Institute. The programme is unique in the Netherlands. The language of instruction is Dutch.