Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies Assignment Instructions
Overview
Interdisciplinary Studies is a growing field in the academic setting that allows students to combine two Areas of Study for research on a complex topic. But what exactly is Interdisciplinary Studies? What are complex topics? According to Repko & Szostak (2021), “Interdisciplinary Studies is a process of answering a question, solving a problem, or addressing a topic that is too broad or complex to be dealt with adequately by a single discipline” (p. 9).
In addition, interdisciplinary studies relies on disciplinary insights which are integrated to form a more well-rounded look at a complex problem.
Instructions
For this assignment, you will need to read the following: Chapter 1 of the Repko & Szostak textbook Interdisciplinary Research Process and Theory.
Read one (1) of the following articles:
1) “Could This Radical New Approach to Alzheimer’s Lead to a Breakthrough?”
2) “Ancient DNA is a powerful tool for studying the past – when archaeologists and geneticists work together”
3) “Teaching Shakespeare Online: Challenges, Advantages, and Strategies”
4) “How Do You Communicate Uncertainty and Promote Public Health — During COVID-19 and Beyond?”
Use the formatting style (APA, MLA, AMA or Turabian) of your primary Area of Study. See the Writing Style Guides found on the left-hand menu of Canvas.
Write a 3-4 page essay that answers the following questions:
1) What is Interdisciplinary Studies? Explain in your own words. Use material from the textbook to support your writing.
2) Review one of the linked articles.
a. What is the problem that is being studied/discussed? Discuss why the problem is complex (as defined by the textbook).
b. What disciplines/professionals/fields of study are used to approach the problem? What insights does each provide related to the problem?
c. What final solutions or insights are provided by the author? How was an interdisciplinary approach helpful in this situation?
d. Using supporting material from the textbook, was this actually an interdisciplinary approach? Or did this article use one of the other types: transdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, or integrative process?
3) Discuss how your understanding of Interdisciplinary Studies has changed after working through the reading material for this assignment.
