Arizona State University Interdisciplinary Studies Debate

we are going to debate the pros and cons of interdisciplinary studies. In order to prepare for the debate you will need to complete this week’s readings — and be sure to pay special attention to the Benson and Newell articles for success in this discussion.

Using the scenario below, propose and defend one positive aspect and one negative aspect of Interdisciplinary Studies. You can use your own ideas and those points highlighted in Benson and Newell the articles, but try not to repeat ideas already addressed by your classmates. Strive for originality.

READINGS

1. Benson, “Five Arguments Against Interdisciplinary Studies”Actions — This article appeared in the very first issue of Issues in Integrative Studies (1982); it is a fundamental piece of literature within the discipline — very much still relevant today.
2. Newell, “The Case for Interdisciplinary Studies: Response to Professor Benson’s Five Arguments.”Actions — This article was Dr. Newell’s immediate response (1983) to Dr. Benson’s piece above; it unleashed a “debate” that is still ongoing.
3. “Interview: Michael Pryzdia Talks with a Former Student”Actions — In this interview, (published in Interdisciplinary Works — the student journal of Alpha Iota Sigma — the National Honor Society of Interdisciplinary Studies — done with a former IDS student who went on to graduate school), my colleague Michael Pryzdia did a great job of summarizing some basic points that many IDS scholars find relevant today (i.e., the growth of team science in America as well as the growth of trans-disciplinary studies in Europe — and their encroachment on IDS). He also shares his belief that the very ontological ground of interdisciplinary studies needs to be re-examined.
4. Bohm, “On Communication” Download Bohm, “On Communication” — This is a short chapter from the book On Dialogue which focuses on our ability to listen or not listen effectively; it is very useful for teams.

Scenario: Acme University is considering developing a new Interdisciplinary Studies degree program. Because there are faculty and administrators both for and against developing the proposed interdisciplinary degree program, the university has decided to hold a virtual debate. On this discussion forum you are to debate the pros and cons of starting an Interdisciplinary Studies program at Acme University. Make sure to state at least one positive and one negative aspect of interdisciplinary studies and then respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.

Debate Question: Should Acme University develop an Interdisciplinary Studies program?

Note: A few years ago a real debate about Interdisciplinary Studies took place right here at ASU. In addition to the assigned readings please read the following Arizona Republic articles:

• Controversial article (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
• Rebuttal (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
• An Alumni response (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)

To be fair to Dr. Kostelich, he did write a humbling and sincere apology to the LIS faculty and students. His apology was heartfelt and that he was sorry for his comments. However, I am including these articles as part of the course because it ties into the larger debate about Interdisciplinary Studies and about the purpose of higher education. A debate that as Interdisciplinary Studies students I feel is important for us to have in order to gain a better understanding of this degree program, its merits and critiques.