University of Glasgow

During my study, a significant portion took place in Glasgow, Scotland. Here I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at the prestigious University of Glasgow. (UofG)

Two courses were linked to my Fontys major. The one that stood out most is the Education elective, which focused on modern language teaching (MLT). This course was a revelation, providing me with new insights into the relationship between didactics and pedagogy in the context of MLT. Here I had the opportunity to critically analyse and compare the Dutch MLT curriculum with its Scottish counterpart. Additionally, I learnt more about Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), which offered me a brand-new outlook on the integration of language and content in the educational process.

The other course that was linked to my major was English Literature 1: an in-depth course zooming in on the novel and narrative. An essay I wrote for this course was the exploration and comparison of the theme of evil in two literary masterpieces: Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and James Baldwin’s “Giovanni’s Room.” This comparative study  improved my analytical skills as I dissected the theme of  xenophobia in these literary works.

In addition to these literary and pedagogical pursuits, I also partook in a Philosophy course that delved into the realms of ethics and political philosophy. A particular highlight for me was the in-depth study of utilitarianism. This theory, which seeks to maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering, provided me with aplatform for philosophical debate and critical thinking.