Life gets interesting at intersections. Economic theory, for example, is boring until you add behavioral science and sociology. Environmentalism may, in and of itself seem "same old same old," but when discussed with public policy, geography, and energy it becomes much more interesting.
This is why interdisciplinary education should triumph over the historical precedent of different discrete academic departments. As I look at colleges and their majors, the most fascinating and relevant to today’s world are the interdisciplinary ones that involve law professors, computer scientists, political theorists, sociologists, and media studies scholars.
The President of Stanford says that each student in today’s world needs to be like a "T" – deep in one area but fluent in a wide range of topics. I couldn’t agree more, with one additional emphasis: broad exposure in the liberal arts should be taught by examining the intersections, overlaps, and disagreements between what we historically have called independent "disciplines."
Studying these disciplines are critical in developing mental models to help in creative and critical thinking.
You should check out my friend Frans’ book, The Medici Effect. His point is that creativity comes from the intersection of different cultures and disciplines. The book’s working title was “The Intersection,” but the publishers changed it prior to publication.
I read Medici Effect, thanks. It was an inspiration for this post.
http://www.teamtalk.com
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