Interdisciplinary

Girlies United!
Aimesha, Betsabed, Linmica,
Marleny, Jelina, Sarah, & Luz
 Our group’s understanding &
thoughts of the readings. (Aimesha)
Visual example(s) of our
understanding of the readings.
(Betsabed)
What stood out from the
readings?
(Linmica)

agenda Questions our group had.

(Marleny)
Connection(s) made from an
experience or prior class
discussion (Jelina)
Do the readings challenge or
support prior class discussion(s)?
(Sarah)
How can we use this information
& how is it helpful in our
understanding of interdisciplinary
Our group’s understanding of the readings/
What came to mind when reading?
Chapter 3 of Becoming Interdisciplinary is called “The Power of Metaphors.” This chapter explains how metaphors shape our
thinking and understanding of the world. Metaphors are not just literary tools but are essential for organizing complex ideas,
solving problems, and connecting concepts from different fields. The chapter emphasizes that metaphors are powerful because
they help make abstract ideas more concrete, allowing us to approach complex subjects with familiar, everyday comparisons. By
recognizing and using metaphors, students can deepen their understanding of interdisciplinary thinking, as metaphors often
serve as bridges between distinct disciplines.
After reading Chapter 3, "The Power of Metaphors," several key thoughts come to mind:
• 1. Metaphors Shape Thought: It becomes clear that metaphors aren't just figures of speech but powerful tools for shaping
how we think and perceive the world. They influence everything from everyday conversations to academic analysis, guiding
our understanding of complex ideas.
• 2. Cross-Disciplinary Connections: The idea that metaphors help bridge different fields of study might stand out. For
example, metaphors in science, art, and social sciences can connect seemingly unrelated ideas, making interdisciplinary
thinking more accessible and enriching.
• 3. Personal Use of Metaphors: You might reflect on how often you use metaphors without realizing it. This could lead to an
awareness of how metaphors influence your communication and thinking, both in academic work and in everyday life.
• 4. Limitations of Metaphors: While metaphors can clarify, they can also oversimplify. After reading this chapter, one might
consider how relying too heavily on metaphors could distort or limit a fuller understanding of certain concepts.
Overall, the chapter prompts reflection on how we use language to frame our reality and how this shapes our
Chapter 6 of *Becoming Interdisciplinary* outlines both the benefits and challenges associated with interdisciplinary education. It
explains how interdisciplinary studies offer a more holistic and adaptable approach to learning by allowing students to draw from multiple
fields to solve complex problems. The chapter emphasizes that this broader perspective fosters critical thinking, creativity, and
collaboration.
However, it also acknowledges some drawbacks. Students in interdisciplinary studies might lack depth in any one subject, face
challenges in integrating different fields of knowledge, and encounter professional environments where specialization is preferred. This
chapter encourages students to weigh the trade-offs of being a generalist versus a specialist.
What Comes to Mind After Reading Chapter 6
Several thoughts after reading this chapter:
1. Balance Between Breadth and Depth: The tension between having a broad range of knowledge versus deeply specialized
expertise might come to mind. It raises the question of how much one should focus on one area versus spreading across multiple
disciplines. This could lead to reflecting on personal academic goals and career paths—whether to focus on becoming an expert in one
field or take an interdisciplinary approach.
2. Real-World Relevance: You might think about how interdisciplinary skills are increasingly relevant in today’s world. With many
problems requiring diverse perspectives (e.g., climate change, social justice), this approach seems practical and valuable. However, the
challenge of not being recognized in certain job markets could also feel concerning.
3. Personal Academic Journey: This chapter might spark self-reflection about your own educational choices. Do you prefer to delve
deeply into one subject or enjoy exploring connections between different fields? It could also make you think about your adaptability and
whether interdisciplinary studies would give you a competitive edge or pose challenges in your future career.
4. Integration Challenges: The complexity of combining knowledge from various disciplines might stand out as a key challenge. It
could prompt you to consider how difficult it might be to master this integrative process and whether the intellectual effort would pay off
in terms of understanding complex problems more effectively.
Overall, this chapter might inspire reflection on the value of interdisciplinary studies, while also encouraging careful
(visual example)
What stood out about the readings?

In Chapter 3 what stood out in the reading was the section about
Metaphors being false and viewing it from that perspective opens up
things for interpretation.

In chapter 3 it also mentioned boundaries with metaphors some may not

be appropriate for a particular discipline so
learning the verbiage and etc. to assure things do not get misinterpreted .

In chapter 6 what stood out in the reading was the argument of

interdisciplinary curricular and how it needs a mature base. so a freshman
starting the interdisciplinary curricular may need more experience to fully
understand the concept of Interdisciplinary and as they learn more they
will be able to connect it to their lives and have different perspectives and
approaches to their overall ideas.
Questions your group had about the readings that
you can address to the class?

1. What does it mean to combine ideas from different disciplines?

2. What are the most common obstacles in interdisciplinary work?

3. Why is working across different disciplines important?

4. How can we get better at thinking in different disciplines?

5. How can interdisciplinary work help my future career?

What connection did you make from either an
experience or prior class discussion?
Previously we’ve discussed different related to interdisciplinary, including
multidisciplinary. From that discussion, it became clear that multidisciplinary involves
bringing together two or more disciplines that typically complement each other,
rather than mixing them entirely. I think everyone can agree with me when I say New
York is a melting pot. New York itself is multidisciplinary.
New York is filled with people and their cultures from all around the world, from those who live
here, those who come to see the Statue of Liberty, and those who come for a new life. Coming
from down in Chinatown and Soho, all the way to Albany and Buffalo, New York is one of the
most diverse places in the entire world. More specifically, the city is full of people from over 150
countries, and we hear and speak so many languages (even some we haven’t heard of).
We also see this combination of beautiful things in the cuisine,
the festivals and parades, celebrations, and in general,
the way people come together every day and live their lives.

A more personal experience I’m seeing is how my classroom. My

classroom of 10 is a beautiful solar system. Each student is beautiful and
amazing in their own way. From the languages they know, to what they
like and are good at. Not one of them are the same, not even the siblings
and I love that about them even if it’s only my first few days.
Do the readings challenge or support prior class
discussion?
The readings support prior class discussions
Examples are :
using metaphors (one word or expression used in comparison of another thing,
idea, or action to suggest similar or common qualities shared by the two. Help us
understand the concept of two unlike things in a way you can see the connection
between the two and so you can see complex ideas in a way that’s easier to
understand.
Similes : (Similar to metaphors but use like or as).

Also the reading Supports to prior class discussion because we are still combining
different parts or ideas and mixing them together in a way that makes sense for
the reader.

These readings also challenges prior class discussion because just like how there
are metaphors for interdisciplinary thinking, there are inappropriate metaphors for
interdisciplinary. This is because each discipline uses a particular word or term or
concept so you have to be careful when creating a metaphor regarding
interdisciplinary studies.
Do the readings challenge or support prior class discussion?
(Cont.)

The readings challenge prior class discussion, because there are

a few arguments against interdisciplinary studies. One of the
biggest argument is regarding the high costs of integrative
studies course, the interdisciplinary studies program required a
lot of methods, independent study, and very costly.

Overall the readings state the positive side of interdisciplinary studies as

well, it mentions that there is no confusion and is more complex as well
as problem solving.

We should look at the positive side of interdisciplinary studies, and how it

enhances the students motivation to learn. It challenges students to use
critical thinking and evaluate alternatives.
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How can we use this information? How is helpful in
our understanding of interdisciplinary studies?
Metaphors play a crucial role in understanding and communicating complex ideas in
interdisciplinary studies. For instance, dead metaphors, which we use without realizing or
noticing, can shape our thinking in different ways. Mixed metaphors, which can be
confusing at times, can help create a connection between different fields. On the other hand,
interdisciplinary metaphors can be used to bridge gaps between disciplines, allowing us to
see similarities and draw insights and conclusions across fields. There are also disciplinary
metaphors specific to one area of study. These can be powerful tools when applied to other
fields, leading to fresh perspectives. As such, this information is important as it helps us
understand how to explain complex ideas from different fields in simple ways. Such
information makes it easier for people from various backgrounds to work together and come
up with new ideas that might not emerge when using a single discipline.

Luz Castellanos
How can we use this information? How is helpful in
our understanding of interdisciplinary studies?
(cont.)
In addition, this information is critical to our understanding of interdisciplinary studies. This
information helps us know that interdisciplinary studies foster creativity, solve complex real-
world problems, and develop flexible thinking skills. Combining knowledge and methods from
different fields, which is the central premise of interdisciplinary approaches, can lead to
innovative solutions and a better or deeper understanding of issues. However, issues such as a lack
of detailed knowledge of one area a likely shortcoming of interdisciplinary studies compared to
those with deep expertise in any one area. Besides, there can be challenges in communication
between experts from different fields, and interdisciplinary work may not fit into traditional
academic structures. Despite these shortcomings, the benefits of interdisciplinary studies outweigh
the challenges, especially in a world where many pressing issues require insights from multiple
fields to address effectively. Thus, this information is crucial in helping us see where
interdisciplinary studies might have problems and try to address them.

Luz Castellanos
thank you
for listening!