Degree Programs of General Studies from NRW under Scrutiny

A Document Analysis of the Bachelor and Master Examination Regulations

Abstract

Due to the characteristics of the subject General Studies and its didactics, the course of study is considered rather complex. Previous studies indicate the very heterogeneous training situation for this elementary school subject nationwide. Against the background of comparable degrees, the implementation of the requirements of General Studies and its didactics and the development of a corresponding subject identity, it is necessary to examine current training structures and study contents more closely. The qualification model for minimum standards, recently developed by the ‘Gesellschaft für Didaktik des Sachunterrichts’, can be used as an orientation framework for teacher training in the field of General Studies. Drawing on this model, the intended curriculum of the eight study locations for General Studies in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia has been chosen to be examined with focus on examination regulations and module handbooks (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees). The results of the document analysis show that the training situation with regard to the intended curriculum is extremely heterogeneous not only at the federal level, but also at the state level and even within a university. There are major differences in the consideration and prioritisation of subject-specific parts distributed across the perspectives of General Studies as well as with regard to the implementation of linkage of perspectives.