Terms

Disciplinarity – Using one perspective to explain, teach and work from.

Interdisciplinarity – using more than one way of thinking to look or solve a problem.

Multidisciplinarity – using multiple perspectives to explain something without them being interactive.

Transdisciplinarity – Explaining or looking at a subject by using disciplines as more of jumping off points, of places to veer from, of ideals to break than as laws.

Cross-disciplinarity – to view something from another perspective.

· Answer the following questions:

1. What does it mean that the terms above are “essentially contested concepts?”

With interdisciplinary such an evolving concept all words associated with it will themselves continue to evolve and be disputed. So the terms are essential to understanding and explaining interdisciplinary studies, yet they are still being refined and as our world changes so will these concepts. They will forever be contested among interdisciplinary scholars.

2. When and why did interdisciplinary studies programs emerge in American universities?

The programs came about in the 30’s with a class on American literature and history called American Studies. Then came about more classes using the same concept on other cultures bringing about Area studies classes.

3. What criticisms do interdisciplinarians have of disciplines?

Disciplines only work with certain “world views” and experiences. There is no wiggle room, there is no place for new questions, there is no place for new learning.

4. How does the framework of interdisciplinary studies seek to overcome limitations of disciplinary practice?

Interdisciplinary studies framework allows multiple perspectives to be learned and used. There is not limitation on what a student can learn and use to solve and explain a problem. There is no one way of learning.

5. Create an original metaphor for interdisciplinary studies.

Interdisciplinary study is like taking pictures to make a collage.