Diversity Politics and the Arts: Gender PerspectivesDiversity Politics and the Arts: Gender Perspectives

Course content.
In the “Diversity Politics and the Arts: Gender Perspectives” minor, students explore diversity in the arts from the perspective of gender and sexuality. You learn to think about the intersectional overlap with categories such as race, religion, age, and class. The minor program focuses on a critical examination of the political dimensions of the body, established gender relations, and structures of discrimination. You will develop a nuanced view of social ideas and norms, learn to recognize the role gender plays in securing power relations—including colonial ones—and relate this to your own artistic practice: How can I avoid (re)producing essentialist clichés? What role do the body and the performative realm play? You will explore how structures of discrimination can be challenged through artistic projects.

The “Gender Perspectives” minor is offered alternately with the “Post-colonial Perspectives” minor. The two minors are structured identically and pursue the same goals. By questioning power relations and discrimination from different perspectives, they enrich each other. Some lecturers teach in both minors. Students may attend the two degree programmes individually or one after the other. 

Skills acquired in the course.
On completing the Minor in Diversity Politics and the Arts: Gender Perspectives, students will be able to: 
–  understand the intertwining of ideas, stereotypes, and attributions with discrimination 
–  classify the importance of a gender-critical stance and perspective 
–  take a critical perspective on the topic of gender in the arts, design, and education 
–  position oneself in the arts, design, and education within the various discourses and establish connections between the different positions 
–  critically question social assumptions through dialogue, encounter, and sharing, and develop manners through artistic approaches 
–  assess spaces and situations by acquiring sensitivity in one's own artistic practice and contribute productively to organizations, institutions, and other work contexts (diversity skills) 

Admissions requirements.
The “Diversity Politics and the Arts: Gender Perspectives” minor is suitable for all students of ZHdK.

Language skills required.
You need the following languages to take this minor:
–  German or English: to be able to follow a discussion
–  German or English: to actively participate in a verbal exchange
–  German or English: to understand a text
–  German or English: to write a text

Benefits of studying this minor.
You will receive input, space, and time to explore gender in relation to race, class, and the body in the arts. In this way, you will learn how theoretical and creative work are mutually dependent in the development of a diversity-sensitive artistic practice.

Time structure.
The minor takes place on Friday afternoons during the semester and as a full-day course during the minor weeks (week 2 to 4 and week 8 to 10).

→ Semester dates ZHdK
→ More information about this minor (PDF download)

Minor Coordination

At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.