Transcript Slide 1

Integrating the
Disciplines
Interdisciplinarity
Interdisciplinary
“This label appears across a remarkably broad
plane, giving the underlying concept of
interdisciplinarity a universality and
complexity that seem to defy definition.
Still, all interdisciplinary activities are rooted
in the ideas of unity and synthesis, evoking
a common epistemology of convergence”
(Klein, 1990, p.11).
What is meant by the term Liberal
Studies?
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The term liberal studies refers to academic
work in a number of disciplines that leads to
an expanded understanding of the self and
the world at large.
Founded on three broad areas of study, i.e.
the humanities, social sciences, and natural
sciences.
Objectives of Interdisciplinary
Liberal Studies
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To answer complex questions
To address broad issues
To explore disciplinary and professional
relations
To solve problems beyond the scope of any
one discipline
To achieve unity of knowledge
Hmmmm
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Clearly not an easy task for the
inquirer or learner. Yet within the
scope of the College of Liberal Studies
curriculum the attempt is made to
include interdisciplinarity in all that we
do.
Bingo !
“At the fourth and highest level there is a
conscious attempt to integrate
material from various fields of
knowledge into a new single,
intellectually coherent entity”
(Klein, 1990, p.57).
Why engage in interdisciplinary
study
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Advances the ability to make connections
across disciplines, fields, and experiences
Helps learners think critically about
disciplines and knowledge
Promotes the ability to think contextually
and to apply knowledge to complex
problems
Areas of Study
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Humanities – are concerned with the
elements and aspects of human culture
Social Sciences – study individuals, groups,
societies and social relationships
Natural Sciences – examine the nature and
inter-relations, and transformations of the
material and physical elements of the
universe
Four categories of
interdisciplinary study
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Drawing on disciplinary sources
Critical argumentation
Multi-disciplinary perspectives
Interdisciplinary integration
Each category has a number of source elements, some
have negative source elements. Last two categories
are unique to interdisciplinary thesis.
How are the three areas defined
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Content of study
Methods of research
Processes of
– Acquiring information
– Formulating information
– Presentation of information
Barriers to Interdisciplinary
Study
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The language and linguistics of the
discipline
The concepts with new meanings that
have been discussed in the literature
and do not follow another discipline’s
definitions
Criteria of Good Interdisciplinary
Study
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Clarity – through elaboration, expressing another
perspective, provide an example or illustration
Accuracy – Is it true? How can that be checked or
verified?
Precision – through providing details, being more
specific, seeking to be exact
Relevance – How does it connect to the question or
bear on the issue
Criteria of Good Interdisciplinary
Study cont.
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Depth – Does my answer address the
complexities of the question? Do I
take into account the problems in the
questions or issue? Am I dealing with
the most significant factors? Am I
dealing only with the superficial?
Criteria of Good Interdisciplinary
Study cont.
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Breadth – Through consideration of
other points of view and other
perspectives, am I recognizing only
the viewpoints of one side of the
question or issue?
Criteria of Good Interdisciplinary
Study cont.
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Logic – Does the answer make sense, is
there a thread of reason throughout? Am I
being specific and explicit? Does my
response follow from the evidence?
Significance – Which ideas are most central,
have consequence, and are most important
Criteria of Good Interdisciplinary
Study cont.
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Fairness – Do I have a vested interest
in this issue or topic? Am I careful in
taking into account the thinking of
others? Have I examined my thinking
for prejudice?
Skills for Interdisciplinary Study
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Knowing how to structure a workable framework
that is flexible enough to allow for shifting
groupings
Knowing how to recognize ignorance of a particular
area, then solicit and gather appropriate state-ofthe-art information and knowledge
Knowing how to analyze the relationship among
discrete pieces of elements of knowledge and
weigh their relevance to the task at hand
Final Thought
“The complexity of modern intellectual, social,
technological, and economic problems also
requires integrative approaches and
collaborative skills. In a more diffuse, subtle
and slower way, the daily flow of influence
and techniques across subjects creates an
interdisciplinary presence even in the heart
of disciplinary domains” (Klein, 1996, p.7).
References
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Klein, J. (1990). Interdisciplinarity: History, theory,
and practice. Detroit: Wayne State University Press.
Klein, J. (1996). Crossing boundaries: Knowledge,
disciplinarities, and interdisciplinarities.
Charlottesville, Virginia: The University Press of
Virginia.
Paul, R. & Elder, L. (1999). The Miniature Guide to
Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. The
Foundation for Critical Thinking.