The master's program consists of compulsory, elective and elective modules.

Mandatory Areas of Study

• Fundamentals of Gender Studies in the Social Sciences
  
  In this module, the fundamentals of feminist scientific criticism are dealt with and central concepts, current trends and theoretical approaches of political and social science gender studies are conveyed. Both classical approaches to feminist theory and more recent theoretical debates in gender studies (postcolonial, intersectional, queer-feminist and neo-materialist approaches) will be presented and discussed in depth. In addition, the academic focus is on current political science debates reflected from an intersectional and postcolonial gender studies perspective.
  
  This module consists of one lecture and two seminars.
  
  

• Gender and Diversity Policy in Different Policy Fields

In this module, various gender and diversity policy approaches and strategies (e.g. gender equality policy, anti-discrimination, gender mainstreaming, diversity mainstreaming) are presented with a focus on their main features and their differences with regard to goal orientation, and normative as well as theoretical foundations are discussed in depth. Particular attention will be paid to gender and diversity policies in various policy fields (e.g. migration policy, labour market and social policy, environmental and food policy), whereby the historical, institutional and political specifics of the respective policy fields will be elaborated. The module also conveys theoretical approaches and concepts from various areas of political science (e.g. international relations, integration and governance research, policy analysis, international political economy) and reflects them from an intersectional gender studies perspective.

This module consists of three seminars.

• Methods of Empirical Social Research
  
  

  The module expands upon methodological competencies. It deals with deductive and inductive methods, whereby the theoretical foundations of these methods are taught and reflected from the perspective of feminist scientific criticism. Quantitative and qualitative survey methods (e.g. interviews based on key questions, group discussions, participatory observation) and evaluation methods (e.g. event analysis, quantitative and qualitative content analysis, discourse analysis) will be presented and tested. Approaches to triangulation and the advantages and disadvantages of "mixed methods" will be discussed in depth.

  The methods module consists of a lecture and two seminars.
  
  

• Gender Studies in Political Science
  
  

  In this module, the latest research approaches and innovative methods in the field of gender studies in political science are presented, discussed and applied to our own research projects. The presentation of one's own research work and its theoretical and methodological situation in the field of gender studies in political science will also be presented. The aim is to convey the reflection and plausibility of the research design, the approach and the research results in the scientific discourse.

  This module consists of a colloquium.

Compulsory Elective Areas

•    Project A: One semester, four weekly semester hours

•    Project B: Two semesters, each two weekly semester hours

The previously acquired theoretical and methodological knowledge will be deepened and tested in the project seminar (Project A or Project B). Problems and questions will be identified from the field of gender studies, the research design will be developed and the methods of data collection and data analysis will be chosen with reasons. A research exposé will be developed and presented using innovative presentation methods (e.g. elevator pitch). The exposé for the project report should show the relevance and goal orientation, justify the choice of methods and plausibly present the timetable. Regular feedback on the basis of interim reports and presentations is also part of the module, as is the preparation of the project report.

Elective Areas of Study

• Interdisciplinary Theories and Methods of Gender and Diversity Research

  The module contents include research fields, theories and methods of gender studies from other disciplines. The knowledge acquired on the history of gender studies theory is supplemented by an introduction to the interdisciplinary way of thinking and working. The disciplinary similarities and differences in the theorization of gender as a category of identity and difference and their interaction with other categories are clarified.

  This module consists of two seminars.
  
  

• Gender and Transformation Processes from a Transregional Perspective

In this module core competences for the analysis of gender structures in different regions of the world (e.g. Latin America, East Asia, North America, Eastern Europe, Middle East) are taught. The historical, socio-economic and political preconditions of gender structures in different regions are examined and the changes of gender structures in the course of various transformation processes (e.g. migration, economic restructuring) are analysed. In addition, the way in which terms and concepts of gender studies and postcolonial studies are received, "translated," and implemented in research practice in various regional contexts will be discussed and reflected upon.

This module consists of two seminars.

• Internship

Alternatively, an internship can also be carried out. The internship provides insights into research-related fields of activity in the field of gender and diversity as well as social, communicative and organisational competencies. You can find helpful information for the recognition of an internship on the homepage of OSI Internship Advisement.

• You can take one or two foreign language modules from the ZE Language Centre.

The registration for the events of the Language Centre takes place via an online registration form.

If you have previous knowledge of the respective language, you must take an ABV placement test, so that the course placement can be carried out.