Kõrvalkursusi

Kõrvalkursusi, a term originating from Estonian, broadly translates to "side courses" or "supplementary courses." In an educational context, it refers to academic subjects or modules that are taken in addition to a student's primary field of study or major. These courses are not mandatory for the completion of the main degree but are chosen for various reasons, such as broadening knowledge, developing new skills, fulfilling personal interests, or complementing their major area of expertise.

Students may opt for kõrvalkursusi to gain a more comprehensive education or to explore interdisciplinary connections between different fields. For instance, a computer science student might take a kõrvalkursus in business administration to understand the commercial aspects of technology, or a literature student might pursue a kõrvalkursus in a foreign language to access original texts or engage with different cultural perspectives. In some academic systems, these might be referred to as electives, minors, or general education requirements, depending on their specific purpose and how they are structured within the curriculum. The selection of kõrvalkursusi is typically a student-driven decision, allowing for a degree of personalization in their educational journey beyond the core curriculum.