This course will explore the evolving Dutch relationship with water over three time periods: Pre-20th Century, 20th Century, and Contemporary. The Pre-20th Century period will be referred to as “Windmills and Canals” and we will explore the gradual process of Dutch mastery of agriculture, drainage, ship building, and world trade and exploration. The 20th-Century period will be referenced as “Battling the Sea” and will emphasize Dutch efforts to protect themselves from the North Sea including the construction of the North Sea Barrier, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The contemporary period will be referred to as “Engineering with Nature” and will explore the shifting Dutch mentality towards living with water by increasing the resilience of natural infrastructure including sand bar construction and levee setbacks.
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