University-wide, interdisciplinary, internationalGaetano Rago Presents the Hub for Crossdisciplinary Learning

30 September 2025, by Anna Priebe

Photo: University of Hamburg / Yzer

Gaetano Rago from the Hub for Crossdisciplinary Learning

The goal of the new Hub for Crossdisciplinary Learning (HCL) is to provide an innovative, interdisciplinary range of courses and support for undergraduate students at the University of Hamburg. In this quick-fire interview, Gaetano Rago explains for whom the HCL offers are intended and what is special about the new program.

Can you describe the new HCL in 3 words?

University-wide, interdisciplinary, international.

One of the offers is the new Crossdisciplinary Learning (CDL) program. How does this differ from the current elective area?

The biggest difference is that we are broadening the program and now include all faculties in this area. As such, all students have the opportunity to choose and receive credit for courses beyond their discipline.

For whom are the CDL courses intended?

At the moment, all undergraduate students at the University with the exception of trainee teachers, who still use the elective components. 

Hub of Crossdisciplinary Learning—that sounds very international. Is that the case?

Yes, because we also offer many general language courses and English-language events; in the future, we’ll offer courses from the Language Center, such as language courses focused exclusively on how to engage in conversation in international settings on topics such as sustainability, digitalization, and entrepreneurship. However, our offers are constantly evolving, which is why it’s worth checking the program every semester. In the future, we would like to offer all students even more opportunities to participate in the CDL program.

What is your personal highlight from the program?

The large lecture series, which is held both digitally and in person. The series nicely demonstrates how diverse our program is. The biggest difference is that we are expanding the program horizontally and now include all faculties in this area.

What will surprise students to hear about the HCL?

What may come as a surprise is that we include offers not only from faculties but also from central institutions, such as the Center for Gender and Diversity, the Language Center, and the Friedensbildung/Peacebuilding initiative, which have contributed their qualification opportunities to the program.

Brief instructions: How do I find the right elective for me?

You can find us in STiNE as usual when registering for events. There is a separate CDL section where all relevant courses are listed and are also ordered by thematic focus. You can find out more in advance on our website via our course catalog. We are, of course, happy to help with any questions you may have, for example, regarding orientation or transferring credits.

Finally, if the HCL had a theme song, what would it be?

The first thing that comes to mind is “Better Together” by Jack Johnson.