Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research
Fall 2004
Course Description
Introduction
to Interdisciplinary Research acquaints students with interdisciplinary
research, problem-solving methods, and writing techniques.
The readings and assignments will help students to see familiar
ideas from fresh perspectives, to pursue research questions in global
ways, and to investigate and apply research methodologies and theories
from a variety of fields.
Objectives
- Analyze
the intersections among disciplines and their methodologies
- Cultivate
interdisciplinary and integrative approaches to scholarship
- Apply
interdisciplinary thinking and research skills to complex problems and
issues
- Analyze
connections among students' chosen fields of study, and develop an
initial proposal for the Master's Thesis or Project
- Evaluate
and develop creativity, critical thinking, reasoning, and
argumentation skills
- Assess
and improve students' preparation for writing at the graduate level
- Develop intellectual and organizational skills needed for graduate study
Format
Our class is "hybrid" in format, which means it involves a mixture of seminar class sessions on campus, online interaction using the RUOnline system (offered via Blackboard), and occasional one-on-one conferences in my office. We will meet four times as a class during the semester (see the Schedule page for details) and use online means (threaded discussion forums, email, etc.) for the rest of our interaction. One reason for this is practical: since some students are located downtown and others are in Schaumburg, online interaction creates a functional community among all the students in MIDS 400. Another is the important role technology (in general) and web-based interaction (in particular) play in interdisciplinary learning, research, and writing. Working together online means we have a convenient means of exploring issues of technology, education, and their relation. Finally, this online interaction will give you greater freedom in how you structure your homework time and will cut down significantly on the time you need to commute to campus. Because out discussions are "asynchronous," you can log into them at times of day (and days of the week) convenient to you. Overall, my hope is that using the web for our class will foster a positive learning atmosphere and sense of community.
On-campus class sessions will be conducted informally--we will stress discussion and hands-on work (with textbooks, documents, online research tools, etc.) rather than lecture. Because of our small class size, participation is absolutely vital! You must complete your reading and writing assignments prior to class for our seminar to be successful.
Getting Help / Staying in Touch
Please feel free to talk to me during office hours or to make an appointment, should you have questions or feel like you need some individualized help. I also can assist you with advising questions throughout the semester; however, during advance registration period, please call the University College secretary (312-281-3134 DT; 847-619-8730 RC) to schedule an appointment with me or another advisor.
Staying in touch is vitally important in this class, for our schedule is both tight and complex. Please do not disappear! Missing an on-campus session is not an option, but if an emergency arises you should get in touch ASAP. Consult the 400 Schedule page for updates. I check my voicemail (312-281-3148 DT; 847-619-8735 RC) and email regularly, and I have both home and office fax lines available.
Associate Professor
University College
Roosevelt University
Mike Bryson's
Home Page
Last updated 08/18/04