You are a student, a doctoral candidate, or employee, who does not pursue a PhD, habilitation or professorship, at the University of Stuttgart and are interested in the perspectives of other people? You would like to look more deeply into the topic of gender and diversity, enhance your profile, and obtain an additional qualification in this field?
Then you are very welcome to complete the certificate "Gender and Diversity: Diversity in language, Society, Research and Practice". It is offered in two different formats: one with and one without a practical component.
The skills gained are key qualifications in demand at universities, in science, research, business and non-profit organizations. Additionally, students can acquire interdisciplinary key qualifications for the semester courses in the certificate program. PhD students are encouraged to talk to their supervisors about the possibility to receive credit points for their completion of the certificate program.
The certificate is offered by uniqUS, the Unit for Inclusive University Culture, and is supported by the Vice Rectorate for Early Career Researchers and Diversity and the Language Center.
The certificate is intended to provide orientation and food for thought in various areas of gender and diversity issues, as well as the opportunity to learn about other people's perspectives.
We learn about important definitions and basic terms from gender and diversity studies and examine different perspectives and approaches. In the process, we always adopt an intersectional perspective. We discuss how we can live, talk and research with each other in a diverse society, how we can avoid false conclusions and stay in conversation with each other.
We think about values and norms, about experiences, power, justice and participation, about individuality, about different scientific, political, economic and social approaches, about images of the future, about different interests and actors, but also about the discussion itself: How can negotiation processes be shaped? In which "bubble" are we moving? Where do we position ourselves in our diverse society? Which “thinking traps“ and self-affirmations do we fall into? What is “unconscious bias“ and how can you counteract it? What is important to us? How can we form a well-founded, reasoned and independent judgment?
The realization of a good team and work culture goes hand in hand with the development of gender and diversity competence. The certificate offers participants an interdisciplinary platform to develop this competence.
Dr. Grazia Lamanna, Gender Equality Officer of the University of Stuttgart
Structure
The certificate is interdisciplinary and comprises the three module areas “Language“, “Research and Society“ and “Practice“, which can be completed on a voluntary basis. These modules may be taken in any order.
However, it is recommended that you start with the “Language” module, as you will learn important basics and terminology there. It is an option to take the “Language” and “Research and Society” modules simultaneously. Candidates may self-schedule over how many semesters they wish to spread their studies for the certificate.
In this module, students deal with gender and diversity in language. This includes “everyday language” in written and spoken form as well as “technical language“. Our language is an important means of representing the thoughts and attitudes of our society. Gender- and diversity-sensitive language helps to communicate in an inclusive and appreciative way and to recognize all people in their individuality as an enrichment for our society.
Misunderstandings, hardened or generalized positions and emotional judgments lead to conflicts. In research, it is important to express yourself in a precise and differentiated manner and to reflect on the extent to which language leads to false conclusions. In this module, it is also a central requirement that you develop your own, well-founded arguments with the help of the material provided. In addition, you will learn important terms and definitions from the fields of gender and diversity studies in order to develop a common language as a basis for the discussion of these topics.
Requirements:
- Introductory course “Introduction to Gender and Diversity Studies” (2 SWS, 3 ECTS) as part of the Interdisciplinary Key Competencies (registration via Campus)
- Powerworkout course “Gendersensible Sprache“ (“gender-sensitive language”) at the Language Center (designed for 3 hours; equivalent to 4 units)
In this module, participants deal with gender and diversity in research and society. They learn how research can be designed in a gender- and diversity-sensitive way and why this is important. They learn in which research disciplines gender and diversity plays a role and how different research disciplines deal with the topic.
In addition, participants engage with the social discourses on gender and diversity and learn to critically reflect on, understand, question and constructively participate in them.
Requirements:
- Lecture series “Gender und Diversity in Sprache, Gesellschaft, Forschung und Praxis“ (“Gender and Diversity in Language, Society, Research and Practice”); (2 SWS, 3 ECTS) as part of the Interdisciplinary Key Competencies (registration via Campus)
The aim of this module is a short independent and practice-oriented consolidation. This allows you to set thematic priorities, but also to develop skills in areas such as academic work and project management as well as explore possible areas of work for compatible further qualifications or for professional goals.
You can do an internship or job shadowing in a thematically relevant institution (also outside the university). Proof of a commitment (e.g. part-time job, voluntary work in appropriate institutions) or the implementation of independent projects (e.g. event (co-)organization, theses, etc.) can also be credited. The module comprises 90 working hours.
Module C must be discussed and approved with us prior to commencement. We will also give advice and support as supervisors and will be happy to answer your questions at any time.
For me, the certificate is a first and important step towards a more diverse future. Broadening personal horizons and being critical of myself is what I will take away for myself personally.
Ioanna, Graduate of the certificate
Joining Ilias and course completion
You can find further information in the ILIAS course for the certificate. By joining, you automatically sign up for the certificate, but you can leave at any time. If you have made the required achievements and want to receive the certificate, you can find the application form there.
Contact
Gender and Diversity Certificate
- +49 711 685 82956
- Write e-mail
- For organizational reasons, please contact this functional email.
Annika Thiem
Dr.Coordination certificate Gender and Diversity