Rome, Utrecht, Netherlands

Founding Europe: From Antiquity to the 19th Century

Come and study in two of the most exciting cities of Europe: Rome and Utrecht! You will dive into the exhilarating history of Europe, from the rise of civilization in Antiquity to the modern era of the 19th century. Together, these courses will provide you with a thorough knowledge of the history of these cities and nations, as well as an exciting overview of the history and workings of Europe.

During the first two weeks you will be introduced to Roman and Italian history, studying its fascinating political, religious and cultural development in relation to Europe. During classes we will treat topics like the Roman Republic and its transition into imperial rule, ancient religion - including the birth of Christianity - and the Middle Ages that followed the fall of the Roman Empire and were characterized by religious and secular strive. After treating the Renaissance and Baroque period, we will even glimpse ahead shortly to Mussolini’s Rome.

The next two weeks you will be studying the history of Europe from a Dutch perspective. We will study for example the Dutch Golden Age; the era spanning roughly the 17th century in which the Dutch became one of the world’s greatest maritime, economic and artistic world powers after rebelling against their Spanish rulers. This historical journey, which illuminates Europe from the Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century, will help you to understand the many social, historical, religious and cultural factors that came to shape modern Europe.

Course leader

Thom van Leuveren, Jet Weerkamp & Maarten Paulusse

Target group

The course is open to all students from different fields of study with an interest in culture, society and politics.

Fee info

EUR 1950: Course + course materials
EUR 850: Housing fee (optional)