News
Faith in Citizenship
Islamic primary schools are often placed under a magnifying glass when it comes to citizenship and integration. But what really happens in the classroom? Research by theologian and anthropologist Jamal Ahajjah shows that teachers are in fact preparing pupils for active participation in a diverse society and do not see any contradiction between citizenship and Islam. Sensitive topics such as discrimination and homosexuality are openly discussed in class. Pupils learn to debate respectfully, listen to one another, and accept differences. Although tensions can arise between religion and citizenship, in practice the two often prove highly compatible.
Rembrandt & Rubens Revisited
Replicating research is valuable in art history as well, provided sufficient attention is given to expertise and interpretation. This is demonstrated in research by art historian and curator Charlotte Rulkens. Her approach leads to more transparent and better comparable attributions of works by artists including Rembrandt and Rubens. According to Rulkens, other disciplines could learn from this approach. “Many discussions on replication focus primarily on data and measurement methods, while the role of expertise and interpretation remains underexposed. Yet these factors are essential for understanding why studies are sometimes reproducible and sometimes not.”
Rejection by Friends Draws Young People towards Boundary-Crossing Media
Adolescents who feel rejected by their peers and consequently experience anger or frustration are more likely to view boundary-crossing behaviour in media as acceptable and to seek it out more frequently. Anger and frustration blur their moral standards, even when such behaviour is disapproved of by their peers. According to communication scientist Xanthe Plaisier, this highlights an important role for parents, teachers, and youth workers.
Ancient Roads Shed New Light on Antiquity
Ancient roads could remain in use for centuries and had a far greater impact on the landscape than has often been assumed until now. This is shown in the research of archaeologist Stefan Kooi on South Euboea in Greece. He mapped ancient land routes and landscapes and examined how human movement through the landscape was connected to the ways people organised, experienced, and used space.
New Politics Needed for Evangelical Christians in the United States
Within white American evangelicalism, two extremes have weakened the public witness of Christians: political entanglement and political withdrawal. Churches either linked faith too closely to national identity and political power, or regarded politics as something to be avoided altogether. According to research by John Huckins, both approaches contributed to the rise of Trumpist evangelicalism. He argues for a post-evangelical political ethic focused on justice, truth, and responsibility.
HOVO Autumn Programme
Registration for the new course programme at HOVO Amsterdam is now open.
From Art Nouveau to Etty Hillesum, from Plato to the Midterms, the Universe, and a theatre lecture on Spinoza, HOVO is proud of its diverse programme. Alongside a number of successful returning courses, there is also a wide selection of new courses, taught by both familiar and new lecturers.
Exhibition VU ART SCIENCE gallery
In a world shaped by conflict, digitalisation and climate change, we search for meaning and stability. Realms of Reality explores whether more holistic forms of belief can foster care for one another and for the planet. Through an exhibition and public programme, artists and scientists examine how ancient, conflicting and emerging belief systems shape our understanding of truth and reality. Featuring works by Suzanne Plomp, Marcos Kueh & Ritvik Khushu, Simone Albers, and Fiona Lutjenhuis. The exhibition is on view until 23 October.
magazine for social sciences and humanities alumni june 2026