College: The power of words: political framing through time

Three lectures: 3, 10 & 17 February 2026
Cultural visit: Tour Province House - Friday afternoon 20 February 2026 (exact time to follow)
Where: Theatre De Bres, Leeuwarden
Speaker: Hielke van Duuren

Politics starts with language. Words spread beliefs, evoke images and set movements in motion. In this series, we delve into history as well as looking at the present. How was, and is, language used to convince people, create enemy images or offer hope? We examine how framing works, dissect famous speeches and consider the influence of changing media on political communication. The series concludes with a tour of Province House.

College 1: 3 February 2026 | 19:30 - 20:30 | De Bres  

From Luther to JFK: What makes a good political message?
In this lecture, we will learn about power of a good political message. Using historical examples, we dissect what makes certain texts, speeches and campaigns so successful today. Is it mainly about using the right words? And what is the role of charisma? Of timing?
We also look at our own time. For example, how is it that the VVD has managed to dominate politics for 15 years. What is their secret?

College 2: 10 February 2026 | 19:30 - 20:30 | The Bres  

The political force field: the move to the right
For a long time, politics revolved around socio-economic issues: class relations, the degree of redistribution and emancipation. These were the issues on which the left and right polarised, and on which most people based their votes. In recent decades, however, a radical shift has taken place; no longer are socio-economic differences leading, but cultural divisions have become dominant. As a result, the political initiative no longer lies with the left but with the right.
In this lecture, we look at how this shift was able to take place. In what ways did politicians and other actors force this break? And what role did political communication play in it?

College 3: 17 February 2026 | 19:30 - 20:30 | The Bres  

Framing, truth and media
Framing is of all times. The Ancient Greeks were already very adept at using images and playing on sentiments. Yet in recent years, framing seems to be on the rise. Content is increasingly fading into the background and it is now mainly about who knows how to best put a catchy and 'sticky' frame on the other person.
As a result, framing has acquired a negative connotation. Yet framing in itself is not a bad thing. After all, an intelligent frame does not come out of the blue, but connects to something people subconsciously already suspect or something they would like to believe. So frames are not just superficial images, but do have a relationship with truth. In this lecture, we explore the relationship of framing to 'truth'.
We also explore the role of media (and the emergence of new media technologies) in framing.

Cultural visit: 20 February 2026 | Friday afternoon | Provinciehuis Friesland

Time follows.

During a guided tour, a number of monumental highlights of the building can be seen, including the State Room and the art collection of the province of Friesland.

About the Speaker

Hielke van Duuren studied history at the University of Groningen and also took a minor in philosophy. His interest in political ideas and power soon led him towards journalism. Nowadays, he works for the PvdA Statenfractie. There, he deals with political communication, strategy and content. He is fascinated by how words shape policy and images influence decision-making. He knows how to articulate complex issues clearly and with his background in history and philosophy he brings context and nuance. 

When does it take place:

Every week

Tuesday, 19:30-20:30

03 February 2026 - 20 February 2026

Costs:

Yes, 40

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Other: You can register via our website: https://generatiehuis.nl/college/de-macht-van-het-woord-politi...