This course is designed as an 'advanced introduction'; it (1) starts with explaining core concepts and approaches in gender and diversity studies, but goes beyond introductory textbook knowledge; it (2) introduces an intersectionality perspective, with which we can start to analyse the social construction of gender, class, race, ethnicity and sexuality in historical and contemporary debates in society and science; and (3) uses accessible language, while challenging participation in thinking very critically of our knowledge, practices and perspectives.
The first part of the course is dedicated to provide a fundamental toolkit for any academic who wants to conduct or understand gender and diversity research and gendered processes in society. In two days’ time, we discuss (1) core concepts, including sex, gender, diversity, and intersectionality; (2) how research design can lead to intersecting constructions of difference and biases in research; and (3) what the importance of the historical and political context is for understanding gender dynamics. In the second part of the course, we will apply different types of gender and diversity perspectives and theories by discussing several important themes (e.g. education, work, politics) in the social sciences and society. Each of these themes is fundamental to societal change and the production and reproduction of gender inequalities.