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Dutch Minor
As a Dutch minor, you’ll learn about both the language and culture. You’ll also develop your communication skills and increase your knowledge of the Dutch economic, political, and religious systems. On top of it all, you’ll see the ways God has created diversity in language and culture and how you can glorify Him through your understanding of Dutch language.
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Program Overview
When you minor in Dutch at Dordt, you will dive into studying both the language and culture of Dutch-speaking people. You’ll better understand Dutch people's values and beliefs through their economic, political, and religious systems.
Our faculty members have advanced training and many years of experience living in cultures outside of North America. And our strong Christian background ensures you’ll grow in your faith and in your foreign language skills.
What You'll Learn
Classes in the Dutch minor will prepare you for a career that puts your knowledge of a foreign language to good use. You’ll take classes such as Elementary and Intermediate Dutch, Literary and Cultural Readings, and Cross-Cultural Explorations. You’ll enjoy numerous off-campus and on-campus avenues for practicing the language. And when you graduate, you’ll be ready to make an impact in the workforce right away.
What You Can Do With A Dutch Minor
When it comes to a Dutch minor, you can pursue a career directly in the foreign language workforce after graduating. Or you can use your Dutch minor to strengthen your major and better equip you for a career in whatever field you pursue. Some career options for Dutch minors include:
Dutch Translator
A Dutch Translator helps to interpret written language into Dutch or vice versa.
Dutch Interpreter
Dutch Interpreters translate information from Dutch to another language or vice versa.
Dutch Professor
A Dutch Professor teaches aspects of the Dutch language, history, and aspects of Dutch culture to students.
Career Preparation
Dordt University's 2023 Career Outcome Rate was 99.4%! “This data point tells us that Dordt graduates are prepared for the careers of their choosing,” said Amy Westra, director of Career Development. “A Dordt education provides students with industry-relevant courses and connections that make a difference.”
To earn a Dutch minor, students will need to complete a variety of Dutch language, linguistics, and culture courses. Students will also be required to earn three credits in study-abroad courses.
- Elementary Dutch I: An introductory study of the language and culture of the Dutch-speaking people. Emphasis on the acquisition of oral and written language skills in a communicative context combined with the study of cultural etiquette and social customs. If desired, students can schedule extra sessions with advanced students (often native speakers) to practice oral skills.
- Elementary Dutch II: Continuation of 101. Prerequisite: Dutch 101 or its equivalent.
- Intermediate Dutch I: An intermediate course that continues the study of the language in a communicative context with emphasis on precision and expansion of linguistic skills. Emphasis is also put on the development of cultural understanding and sensitivity, studying people’s values and beliefs as expressed in their economic, political, and religious systems. Dutch culture will be compared with our culture in the light of the cultural mandate. Prerequisite: Dutch 102 or its equivalent.
- Introduction to Linguistics: An introduction to the basic principles of linguistics, including phonetics (the sounds of language), morphology (the words of language), syntax (the sentence patterns of language), and sociolinguistics (how language functions in society). Data from different dialects of English and a variety of other languages will be used. Special attention will be given to a biblical view on language. No previous knowledge of linguistics is required.
- Dutch Culture and Reformed Worldview: Study the identity of the Dutch people from prehistoric times to the present while living in the Netherlands for three weeks. Examine the history of the Calvinist heritage from the Synod of Dort through the contributions of Abraham Kuyper and others. Discover how the Reformed worldview has shaped various aspects of Dutch life and society, such as church, politics, trade, and land reclamation. Special attention will be given to events and sites relating to World War II. There are classes in the morning and field trips in the afternoon. Two-day trips to London and Normandy/Paris are part of the program. CORE 283 is not a language class and is open to students from any major.
- Intermediate Dutch II: Continuation of Dutch 201. Prerequisite: Dutch 201 or its equivalent.
- Literary and Cultural Readings: Designed to develop reading skill and an appreciation for Dutch culture and literature with emphasis on contemporary literature. Permission will be granted for individual readings in academic areas of interest to the student. Prerequisite: Dutch 202 or department approval.
- Dutch Culture: Designed to cover many aspects of the Dutch way of life. Listening and speaking skills will be developed through classroom activities. Prerequisite: Dutch 201 or its equivalent.
- World Literature II: See English 318 for course information. [Cross-listed: English 318, French 208, Spanish 208]
- History of the Low Countries: This course will focus on the history of the Netherlands from 1815 until the present, with special attention on the history of religion and the church. The course will be in chronological order generally; some aspects of the Dutch society will be explored in themes.
- Dutch Art and Architecture: An introduction to the history of Dutch art and architecture from the Middle Ages to the present day. There will be many excursions to view various artworks “live.” Students will develop insight into how to understand art and how the Dutch identity is reflected in its art and architecture. They will also develop some understanding of the importance of the works in culture and history. This will be achieved by presentations of classmates, lectures, readings, and field trips.
- Cross-Cultural Explorations: Conversation, Reflection, and Travel (Portfolio): Living and studying in a different culture brings new information, experiences, and perceptions. This course helps students take the time to observe and reflect on the similarities and differences between this culture and the culture of one’s home through structured and systematic observation and reflection. Students develop their own portfolio (reflective journal) in preparation for a presentation at the semester’s end
- Dutch Culture and Society: This course focuses on contemporary issues in the Netherlands as an urbanized society. By studying the culture that gets lived out in the heart of the Netherlands, students become part of the “social experiment” that Dutch society is—a society that is in a constant process of evolving and adapting new forms as it enters a new era of economic and political affiliations within a larger European community.
- Conversation: Designed to give the student practice in listening and speaking. The content of the courses will be altered each year. The class will meet two times each week. Graded on a pass/no record basis.
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