Potential Paper - In Interdisciplinarity

Potential Topics Paper

IDS 201

 

In “Interdisciplinarity: An Introduction,” Michael Seipel defines interdisciplinary studies as “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 or profession.” As an interdisciplinarian, you need to focus on this concept of problem-solving. This requires that you move beyond simply understanding your disciplines to applying them in order gain a more nuanced understanding of particular issues or problems. With this in mind, this paper asks you to consider potential research topics that create common ground between your disciplines.

More specifically, in this paper, you will do the following:

• Identify THREE possible research topics that are relevant to both (or all three) of your disciplines (also known as areas of study). Note: The topics you identify must be distinct from one another.

• For EACH topic, explain why it requires an interdisciplinary approach. That is, using vocabulary and concepts introduced in class and in course readings, make the case for why it is necessary to research this topic using an interdisciplinary lens.

• For EACH topic, make the case for why it is relevant to each of your areas of study. For example, can you point to specific scholars and/or professionals in your disciplines that are already doing work on this topic? If so, who are they and what kind of work are they doing? Or how will researching this topic require you to draw upon central concepts, methods, and/or theories from your disciplines? Be specific.

• For EACH topic, identify specific questions that would guide your research in the future. What would you like to find out about this topic? (NOTE: Don’t ask questions you already know the answers to. The purpose of research, after all, is to deepen your understanding of a given topic!) Then, identify who (besides yourself) would be interested in the answers to your research questions. In other words, identify scholarly, professional, and/or other stakeholders who care about this topic.

• Remember that you are exploring topic ideas at this point, so you are expected to use this assignment as an opportunity to become more knowledgeable about each topic you identify by conducting research. Thus, you will need to include THREE credible sources (i.e., sources not written based on opinion) in your discussion of EACH. As in the Areas of Study Paper, be sure to avoid citing sources like Wikipedia.

• Finally, explain which of these three options seems to best suit your intellectual interests/professional goals and relate the most clearly to your disciplines. That

 

 

is, what topic are you most likelyto continue to explore in future IDS classes? Why are you leaning toward this particular topic?

 

FORMAT:

The double-spaced paper should be no less than 5 full pages in length and include an additional works cited page. This is a research paper, so make sure to include citation information and, when appropriate, quotation marks. Reference citation used should follow MLA or APA guidelines, whichever is most appropriate to your disciplines.

In the upper left-hand corner, include a single-spaced heading that includes your name, the course name (IDS 495), and the date. Center the title “Potential Topics Paper” (without quotation marks) at the top of the page. Do not use more than 1 line of spacing between your name and the title. Do not use more than 1 line of spacing between the title and the first line of text. Use 1-inch margins and a standard font such as 12 point Times New Roman.

Finally, make sure to write clear, coherent paragraphs that demonstrate a logical progression of ideas.

Criteria for Evaluation:

• Do you follow all of the instructions? Does the paper address each of the points listed on the assignment sheet? Do you follow the formatting guidelines?

• Is it clear that you did enough research to develop a solid basic understanding of all three topics? Does your discussion of each topic include at least 3 references from credible sources?

• Does your paper demonstrate a solid understanding of the core concepts and ideas introduced in class throughout the semester? Is it clear why the potential topics you identify require an interdisciplinary approach? Is it clear how the three topics create common ground between your disciplines?

• Does your writing flow logically? Do you use transitions appropriately? • Do you adopt a scholarly (as opposed to a conversational) tone in your writing?

Do you use proper citation conventions when appropriate (following either MLA or APA citation guidelines)? Does your paper contain 0-2 errors in spelling/ grammar?