Interdisciplinary approach: Single gender module for various degree courses. An interdisciplinary approach is particularly appropriate in institutions of higher education where women's and gender studies were previously low-level or non-existent. It involves establishing "Interdisciplinary Gender Studies" within the institution either in the form of an interdisciplinary gender module, or by integrating special classes into a general studies program ("Studium Generale"). In the case of an interdisciplinary gender module, this could be based around the three interdisciplinary issues outlined above, plus an examination of the findings of women's and gender studies that are relevant to all subjects.
Integrative approach: Theories, methods and findings of gender studies as a cross-disciplinary task and an integral part of teaching and learning. Many academics prefer an integrative approach, in which gender issues are included in existing degree courses as cross-disciplinary topics. This is a more holistic approach, which helps to prevent gender studies being sidelined. However, for this approach to work, most (or all) lecturers have to possess the necessary skills. If only a few lecturers have these skills – as is the case almost everywhere at present – explicit approaches such as those outlined below are preferable.
Individual explicit approach: Gender subject modules, gender components. Where it is impossible to integrate gender issues into existing degree courses, we recommend setting up independent gender modules or components. Gender modules should also be introduced for areas with a high proportion of female students, such as the field of social work – indeed, in these areas, explicit gender modules can form part of the professional qualification. However, gender modules have also been developed for degree courses with a low proportion of female students, such as IT. In general, independent gender modules are recommended as special areas of study within Master's programmes; for Bachelor's programmes, we recommend the integrative approach described above.
Explicit approach: Degrees in gender studies, postgraduate degrees, BA/MA degrees in gender studies, PhDs, degrees in women's studies, women's universities, distance-learning degrees. The explicit approach is particularly recommended for the area of social and cultural studies. Here, MA programmes often aim to prepare students for professional practice based on equal opportunities, or include women's and gender studies as a special area of focus. At present, German institutions of higher education use a wide variety of models for their degrees in "women's studies" or "gender studies" – ranging from special, mono-educational (single sex) degrees for female students (some of them in natural sciences and engineering) to specific degrees on gender-related topics aimed at both male and female students.
 |
 |
 |