INDS 500 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:
- “Could This Radical New Approach to Alzheimer’s Lead to a Breakthrough?”
- “Ancient DNA is a powerful tool for studying the past – when archaeologists and geneticists work together”
- “Teaching Shakespeare Online: Challenges, Advantages, and Strategies”
- “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:
- What is Interdisciplinary Studies? Explain in your own words. Use material from the textbook to support your writing.
- Review one of the linked articles.
- What is the problem that is being studied/discussed? Discuss why the problem is complex (as defined by the textbook).
- What disciplines/professionals/fields of study are used to approach the problem? What insights does each provide related to the problem?
- What final solutions or insights are provided by the author? How was an interdisciplinary approach helpful in this situation?
- 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?
- Discuss how your understanding of Interdisciplinary Studies has changed after working through the reading material for this assignment.
RELATED: Scenario Mowers, Inc., a fictional company, has a flourishing lawn care business. The business has two full-time employees who have been with the company for five years. All employees are trained on using the lawn equipment and, upon being hired, sign a waiver-of-liability contract limiting liability for the company. The owner, Brian, tells his employees, “Not to worry – the company will protect you!”
Order This Paper
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.