A look into the DNA of Witten/Herdecke University: Studium fundamentale is being scientifically analysed

Studium fundamentale (Stufu) has been an integral part of the degree programme at Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) for more than 40 years. Here, students deal with philosophical, artistic and social issues - and thus go beyond the boundaries of their degree programme. The Stufu encourages them to think critically, take responsibility, exchange perspectives and develop their own point of view.

The University of Wuppertal is now investigating whether this claim is successful: doctoral studies at the Chair of General Education are focussing on how the Witten model has developed over the past four decades and what impetus it can provide for the future.

The doctoral studies are being carried out by Lena Labuwy-Stark, who has already intensively analysed the philosophy of education and the Frankfurt School in her Master's thesis. She is being supervised by Prof Dr Rita Casale, who has already completed a research project on the "Studium Generale in the Federal Republic of Germany after 1945" and is thus contributing valuable historical and theoretical perspectives.

Why holistic education matters now

"In our society, we need people who can observe, listen, form an opinion in a constructive exchange with others and express it," says Prof Dr Renate Buschmann, Academic Director of the WittenLab. Zukunftslabor Studium fundamentale at the UW/H. "Studium fundamentale is an educational innovation that originated more than 40 years ago at the newly founded Witten/Herdecke University. The fact that this format is now being scientifically analysed shows how relevant this educational approach is."

The research project was initiated by the Werner Richard - Dr Carl Dörken Foundation, which has supported Studium fundamentale financially for many years. It is funding the doctoral studies over three years with a scholarship. "Supporting Studium fundamentale is important to us because it encourages young people to adopt different perspectives and become socially engaged," says Sonja Leidemann, Chairwoman of the foundation. "In times of social upheaval, we need personalities who think in a differentiated way and act responsibly - and this is exactly what this educational approach makes possible."