Applications are invited for a three-week intensive Dutch course ("the summer course"). The course is free-of-
charge; funding has been provided through the Taalunie (Union for the Dutch Language).

The course has two distinct sections, and students may apply to the first section (Modern Dutch for Reading
Knowledge, via Zoom), and/or the second section (Early Modern Dutch/Paleography, in person at Columbia
University, New York). Applicants are requested to clearly state which sections they are applying to, by
stating it in boldface on the letter of purpose.

ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE APRIL 1, 2026

Schedule:
two weeks of Modern Dutch for Reading Knowledge (through zoom)
week I: Tuesday May 26 through Friday May 29
week II: Monday June 1 through Thursday June 4
class times: 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 and 1:45 - 3:45 p.m. (New York time)

one week of 17th-century Dutch/paleography (in person at Columbia University, New York)
week III: Monday June 8 through Thursday June 11
class times: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 and 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. (New York time)

Descriptions of the courses and requirements for admission to each section

Week I & II: Modern Dutch for Reading Knowledge
This section will cover reading strategies, grammar and vocabulary of modern Dutch. Participants will
continue building their vocabulary skills throughout the course. There is a strong emphasis on grammar
skills; they will be the basis of reading strategies.
Open to all students with 2 semesters of Dutch (or 3 semesters of German) at the college level or equivalent.
Applicants must submit evidence of sufficient competence in the language, and submit a letter of purpose
explaining their reason for application. Preference will be given to students enrolled in a PhD program, but
M.A. students/Faculty members may apply as well. Applicants who are unsure if their level of Dutch or
German is satisfactory should contact Wijnie de Groot (wed23@columbia.edu).

Week III: 17th-century Dutch texts/paleography workshop
The workshop will cover reading strategies of 17th-century printed and handwritten texts. The paleography
part of the week will be taught by Dr. Frans Blom of the University of Amsterdam. Although both sections can
be taken separately, applicants are encouraged to participate as well in the first section, as week III will build
on reading strategies learned in the first two weeks.
Open to all students with 3 semesters or more of Dutch or German at the college level or equivalent. Applicants
must submit evidence of competence in the language. In addition, applicants must submit a letter of purpose
explaining their reason for application.
Preference will be given to students enrolled in a PhD program, but M.A. students/Faculty members
may apply as well.
Contact Wijnie de Groot (wed23@columbia.edu) for additional information and questions.

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All applications, along with supporting documents,
should be emailed to Wijnie de Groot at wed23@columbia.edu.
Inquiries should also be directed to Wijnie de Groot.