1st Edition
Utrecht University and Colonial Knowledge Exploration, Exploitation and the Civilising Mission since 1636
By Henk Rinsum
Copyright 2025
352 Pages
by
Amsterdam University Press
In this book, Henk van Rinsum provides an in-depth description of the colonial past of Utrecht University in the Netherlands, from its foundation in 1636. He describes the development of (scientific) knowledge and knowledge transfer about and in the Dutch colonies, especially in the Dutch East Indies. The central theme of his book is the idea of Western superiority - the assumption that we are... Read more
Foreword - Henk Kummeling, Rector Magnificus Utrecht University 1. Introduction: University, Knowledge & the Colonies 2. Confession & Conversion (1636-...) 3. Exploration & Classification (c. 1636-1850) 4. Experimentation & Exploitation (1850-1950) 5. Honorary Doctorates for (Colonial) Thinkers and Doers 1815-1940 6. Utrecht University & Slavery 7. Training & Control (1925-1950): The 'Oil Faculty' 8. Legacy of the 'Oil Faculty' 9. Education in the Colony 10. Development Cooperation (1950-1990): Ethical Politics Revisited? 11. In Retrospect: Knowledge, Power & Superiority 12. Looking Ahead: Towards a Decolonised University? Notes, Literature, Image Credits, Index of Persons, Index of Places and Things.
Biography
Henk van Rinsum, historian and anthropologist, worked for many years in university development cooperation at Utrecht University. He published on the history of Utrecht University's ties with South Africa.
