Folia launches new podcast series about the “illustrious university”
Following our podcast series ‘The time of your life’, ‘Vraag 2’ and ‘Smoor’, a new Folia podcast series (in Dutch) is scheduled fas of next week. This time, it will be about the illustrious university, a series about the history of the UvA. Five questions for Folia’s podcast maker Jip Koene.
Jip, what have you created? A podcast series about the history of the UvA?
“Yes. In the new podcast, which we have called The Illustrious University, we delve into the history of the university. Who were the founders of science and what made them the most talked-about scholars of their time? And why are they still important today? But don’t worry, it’s not a dry history lesson, but a radio play-like narrative for anyone interested in a piece of university history!”
So which scholars are we talking about?
“Of course, we will review the founders Vossius and Barlaeus, dive into the development of medicine with Gerardus Blasius, Frederik Ruysch, Petrus Camper, and Aletta Jacobs, and learn how Jean Henri van Swinden played a crucial role in the survival of the Athenaeum during the reign of Louis Napoleon.”
Sorry, the Athenaeum?
“The Athenaeum yes, founded in 1632, a place where people could follow preparatory education before leaving for a university elsewhere, such as in Leiden or Groningen. You should see the Athenaeum Illustre as a middle ground between the Latin Schools, a kind of gymnasium, and the university. Leiden University, of course, was not at all pleased that the people of Amsterdam were founding a school that would have the allure of a small university. Leiden tried to prevent the foundation until the very last moment.”
What can we expect?
“Expect a narrative podcast that brings the history of the UvA to life, perfect for late nights on the couch, commuting on the train, or between lectures. I take the listener on a journey into the world of ambitious scientists, discoveries, and curiosities. Together, we step into a time capsule that travels through two and a half centuries of Amsterdam science. Using primary sources, for example from the Library of Dutch Literature, and including the works of Dirk van Miert and Peter Jan Knegtmans, a timeline has been created from the founding of the Athenaeum Illustre in 1632 to 1877, the year in which it was elevated to a real university with the right to award doctorates.”
What is the first episode about?
“It is, of course, about Casparas Barlaeus, a scholar originally from Leiden who was brought to Amsterdam as one of the founders of the UvA. His real name was Kaspar van Baerle, whom you may know from the “Van Baerlestraat.” His co-founder was Gerardus Vossius, a prominent theologian. You may know him from the Vossius Gymnasium and Vossiusstraat.”
De Illustere Universiteit can be listened to on Spotify every other week, starting November 4.
