Course content
In the Minor in “Handwerk. The Principle of Craft”, the focus is on practical and theoretical questions related to manual work. The history of regional and global handwork techniques is addressed and discussed, while taking into account different aspects such as the historical and cultural significance, and their potential in the digital era. We use the field of tension between tradition and innovation as a source of inspiration and design to address the divergence between sustainability and profitability with responsibility. 

The Minor starts in the autumn semester with input, talks, basic practical exercises as well as business and exhibition visits related to topics such as (material) connections, surface (processing) or constructive questions and issues. The Minor Weeks in January and February are entirely devoted to the workshops: The participants select two workshops from a range of different options, and spend three weeks in each one. These handwork projects enable them to consolidate the connection between physical-motoric and analytical-reflexive processes. In the process, they explore materials, manual processing techniques, production processes and the related tools. They also have numerous opportunities to learn traditional procedures, to use them as template or work innovatively – and in the process, to combine and research digital with manual techniques. 

Skills acquired in the course
After completing the Minor,...
–  participants will have theoretical and practical knowledge of handwork procedures and techniques as well as cultural practices in the context of handwork;
–  participants will be able to work independently and confidently in workshops, and be familiar with the infrastructure;
–  participants will be able to use machines, devices and tools appropriately and know how to maintain them;
–  participants will be aware of the importance of using resources and materials sustainably as well as environmental topics connected with handwork.  

Admissions requirements
The Minor “Handwerk. The Principle of Craft” requires that at least two Z-Tech courses for the selected workshops have already been completed by the time of the Minor Selection:
–  of which at least one course from the following three programmes: “Z-Tech Introduction to Textile Workshop”, “Z-Tech Introduction to Screen Printing Workshop” and “Z-Tech Introduction to Ceramics Workshop"
–  of which at least one course from the following two programmes: “Z-Tech Introduction to Metal Workshop” and “Z-Tech Introduction to Wood Workshop”.

The Minor is aimed at all students of ZHdK who have a particular interest in the practical use and consolidation of handwork procedures and technologies and have initial experience in these areas: This can result from a personal project or interest, or also take the form of a technical qualification to which the Minor is linked. The Minor enables students of the Bachelor or Master Art Education to consolidate and concentrate their know-how on teaching and educational work.

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

Benefits of studying at ZHdK
The Minor offers participants the opportunity to extend their handwork interests and skills with expert support and a specific focus in mind. 
As a follow-on from the “Handwerk. The Principle of Craft”, participants have the opportunity to concentrate and consolidate the practical work completed in the first year in advanced modules in the following year. We offer these advanced modules in an external workshop. In this way, students can acquire a total of 30 ECTS points with an individually tailored core subject of Handwork.

Time structure
The Minor “Handwerk. The Principle of Craft” takes place in the Minor Weeks and on Friday afternoons.

→ More about the Minor Handwerk. The Principle of Craft – basic (PDF-Download)
→ More about the Minor Handwerk. The Principle of Craft – advanced (PDF-Download)

During a digital Q&A session, individual questions can be asked about the minor programme, the content and the organisational framework:

Tuesday, 15 April 2025, 17.30-18.30 via Zoom (to the registration)

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.