Faculty of Humanities

Minor study programs

Master's minor degree program in Gender Studies

Students are introduced to selected topics in gender studies and acquire substantial knowledge of the theoretical and methodological foundations of gender research. Students learn to study gender as an analytic category in interdisciplinary contexts and to critically examine the gender-related aspects of various social phenomena. The knowledge and skills thus acquired can be applied in various social and scientific fields.

The study program can be flexibly completed in 2-6 semesters. Students in the program appreciate the personal exchanges that are enabled by a small study program, as well as the intensive contact with students from various other disciplines such as history, social anthropology, Germanic languages and literature, sociology, psychology, sport science, medicine, law and philosophy.

Master Minor Genderstudies
Basic information
Degree: -
Number of credits: Minor 30 ECTS
Combination possibilities: See master's major
Duration: The period of study is in line with the standard duration of study for the master's major
Languages: German (some English)
Beginning studies: Fall or spring semester

Details of program

The program at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies (ICFGD) focuses on the specialized topics addressed at the ICFGD. These include gender-related aspects of social development, social justice (women's and human rights, discrimination) and social inequality (social sustainability, development, poverty, care). "Hot spots" in current gender research are also addressed here, as is the historical, sociological and philosophical observation of (gender) bodies, the relationship between language, power and gender, and intersectionality research. The program also includes the "evergreens" of the theoretical foundation of gender research, which are covered in the introductory seminar.

Scheme of program

The program is divided into a mandatory component (20 ECTS credits) and an elective component (10 ECTS credits). The mandatory component consists of seminars, courses and lectures taught by instructors at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies (ICFGD). Students are also required to write a major paper in this component. For the elective component, students can complete selected courses in different subjects. Nearly all ICFGD courses can applied as electives for students studying in other departments.

Sample study plan for a 4-semester course of study
  Semester   Courses     Credits
  1   Introductory seminar   Mandatory   5
  1 Electives
   variable
  2   Practical courses (exercises)
   Mandatory   3
  Lecture series   Mandatory   2
  1 Electives
   variable
  3 and 4
   Seminar   Mandatory   5
  Major paper
   Mandatory   5
  Possibly other electives
   variable
  Credits Master Minor Study program
   30

Deadlines

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the Master program in Gender Studies (minor):

a) Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a major in at least one of the branches of study listed in Appendix 3 of the study plan.
b) Bachelor's degree with a minor in one of the other branches of study (with special request for admission). Additional requirements may apply. The associated courses will be listed in a diploma supplement.

Students must consult with the student advisory service at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies before they can begin the course of study.

The Bachelor's degree may not be more than ten years old. Exceptions with justifiable reasons are possible.

Language requirements

Along with knowledge of German, sufficient knowledge of French and English may be required in certain courses in order to successfully complete the program.

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Student quotes

  • «Because we have students from all different types of disciplines, the Gender Studies program leads to a lively and exciting exchange of opinions that also includes controversial ideas. Sometimes, we're even forced to rethink established views of the world.»
    Susanne Gfeller, Middle Eastern Studies and Gender Studies

 

  • «Discussions and debates related to gender repeatedly come up in school and especially in gym classes. I'm not taking Gender Studies simply because I'm interested in it. I'm also taking it because it will help me prepare for my future line of work.»
    Joel Grossen, Sport Science and Gender Studies

 

  • «I'm a political person, so I'm also very interested in finding out how things that happened yesterday can help us build a better tomorrow for everyone. For example, how can we break down structures of discrimination? What are the possibilities for changing things in terms of the way gender is viewed?»
    Thomas Leibundgut, History and Gender Studies

 

  • «There are also practical reasons why I'm studying this subject. For example, I like the idea of being able to structure most of my course of study in line with my interests. The relationships between students and teachers are also more personal in a small program.»
    Sabina Widmer, History and Gender Studies

 

  • «Recognizing that terms, norms, institutions, and social order only take on their socially accepted, so-called objective meanings after there's been a collective discourse actually has a personal significance for me. That's because the things we look at extend beyond the academic realm and challenge me to question my own role as a scholar and human being in the social environment I exist in.»
    Isabelle Schläpfer, Political Science and Gender Studies