Radboud Summer School: Gender & Diversity Studies: Core Concepts

The interdisciplinary Summer School course Gender & Diversity Studies: Core concepts is based in the academic work that is being done at Radboud University Nijmegen and will be taught by faculty members from a range of disciplinary perspectives. In this intensive one-week programme we will introduce you to a variety of perspectives on gender and diversity, whether you are a student (BA, Master, PhD), a professional or an activist organiser. This course is designed as an ‘advanced introduction’ and not geared towards students who already have a strong background in Gender Studies.

An ‘advanced introduction’

This course is designed as an ‘introduction’: (1) it will start with explaining core concepts and approaches in gender and diversity studies, but will go beyond introductory textbook knowledge; (2) it will introduce an intersectional perspective, with which you can start analysing the social construction of gender, class, race, ethnicity and sexuality in society and (3) uses accessible language, while challenging participants to critically reflect on our knowledge, practices and perspectives.

Fundamental and applied knowledge

In this course, we will present you with a fundamental toolkit for any academic and professional who wants to conduct or understand gender and diversity research and gendered processes in society.

In the morning, we will discuss core concepts, including gender, diversity, sexuality, and intersectionality. We will pay attention to research design and how this can reproduce intersecting constructions of difference, and reinforce existing biases. We will also look at the importance of the historical and political context for understanding gender dynamics.

In the afternoon, we will present some case studies or research projects and discuss how the concepts of gender and diversity can be applied in real life, e.g. education, work, politics. You will understand how different perspectives and theories on gender and diversity shape society and how they are fundamental to social change and the abolishment of inequalities.

Practical skills

There will be lectures in small groups on each of the themes, with ample room for discussion. During the course students will be working on several assignments. In each assignment they will practice different skills, including academic reflection, voicing your views and arguments, and designing empirical research. All of these skills will improve your ability to reflect on the gender and diversity aspects in your professional work, activism and/or research.

The Netherlands and Nijmegen

Since most of the cases and examples in the lectures will focus on the Dutch situation, you will also get to know the culture and policies of the Netherlands Using an intersectional/gender perspective, we will take a comparative approach when discussing these situations and cases, and we therefore highly value having a diverse group of students – in the broadest possible sense.

Do not hesitate to ask questions or to offer cases that are known to you. This input will allow us, students and lecturers, to analyse the impact of contextual differences and similarities in systems of (gender) inequalities and dynamics.