Geography of Europe is not surrounded by sea and its southeastern border has always been variously defined for centuries. In terms of shape, Europe is a collection of connected peninsulas and nearby islands. The two largest peninsulas are mainland Europe and Scandinavia to the north, divided from each other by the Baltic Sea. Three smaller peninsulas—Iberia, Italy and the Balkans—emerge from the southern margin of the mainland. The Balkan peninsula is separated from Asia by the Black and Aegean Seas. Italy is separated from the Balkans by the Adriatic Sea, and from Iberia by the Mediterranean Sea, which also separates Europe from Africa.
Cluster of Excellence "Asia and Europe in a Global Context" book series -“Transcultural Research: Heidelberg Studies on Asia and Europe in a Global Context” and “Heidelberg Transcultural Studies” – as well as the e-journal “Transcultural Studies”. All of them are peer-reviewed. The Master of Arts program "Transcultural Studies" started in the winter term 2011/12 at Heidelberg University and combines interdisciplinary education with a transcultural focus. Language of instruction is English. The "Graduate Programme for Transcultural Studies" offers a structured doctoral program within the interdisciplinary research environment of the Cluster. Cluster of Excellence "Asia and Europe in a Global Context" The Cluster of Excellence "Asia and Europe in a Global Context"