About the Initiative

In today’s academic climate specialized disciplines can easily be neglected because they, by nature, attract a limited number of students. Not only universities can ill afford classes with two or three students, but very small numbers may result in a less productive and fulfilling learning environment.

This webinar series seeks to address this problem by offering a platform for instructors with access to well-established and rich departmental resources in specialized disciplines to reach a wider audience. Participants who are unable to spend time studying in Heidelberg can thereby profit from the university’s world-class resources in disciplines that are not supported at most other institutions. 

By offering webinars in specialized disciplines, we provide expert teaching in a lively environment that brings together students from all over the world. In addition to training new generations, we also create new scientific networks and build greater awareness of the methods and standards employed elsewhere. It’s our hope that the courses will also enrich studies in more general subjects.

The webinars are being offered through the Landesinitiative Kleine Fächer sponsored by the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst in Baden-Württemberg. More information is available, in German, here (https://mwk.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/service/presse/pressemitteilung/pid/neuer-fonds-sichert-zukunft-der-kleinen-faecher-an-den-hochschulen-in-baden-wuerttemberg/)