Research shows that polarization in the Netherlands is not necessarily increasing. According to a recent research of the Tilburg University, there is still broad agreement on many key issues, such as same-sex relationships, abortion, and euthanasia. Most people continue to value respect and peaceful coexistence. They call this cognitive polarisation. However, people feel more polarized.

The real challenge therefore lies in the so-called affective polarization—the negative stories people tell about each other. Politicians and media narratives often reinforce these divisions, while social media pushes people into filter bubbles where they mainly encounter like-minded views.

At the same time, people actively shape this polarization themselves. We create it through the stories we share—so we also have the power to change it. By shifting from talking about others to talking with them, we can break down divisions.

“The enemy is someone whose story you have not heard.” If we want to reduce polarization, we must listen to each other’s stories and engage in real dialogue. That is where change begins.

This course explores in depth ways of analysing and understanding polarising dynamics, with a view to using storytelling as an intervention to reduce that polarisation. Students will then work on real-life cases in various neighbourhoods across Amsterdam. Finally, the students will design their own specific intervention, centred on storytelling and listening to one another.

This interaction with the communities it concerns makes this course also very attractive for Dutch speakers, however this is not obligatory.

Coordinator

Arjen Barel

Timetable

All lectures will take place on-campus and we assume you can be physically present during the scheduled hours. You can find the timetable on Datanose.

Course registration

Registration is possible for students participating in an Honours program. The registration period for the Honours courses will be from Thursday, June 4, 10:00 am to Tuesday, June 9, 11:59 pm. You can register through the online registration form that will appear on Honoursmodules IIS. (registration is NOT through SIS)

Please note: Placement is not guaranteed if you register after June 9, so make sure you register on time. You will hear which course(s) you are registered for before the end of June 

For questions about registration, please contact us at: Honours-iis@uva.nl.