For your Research Paper, you are being asked to apply
interdisiciplinary theory to a problem or issue that confronts your hometown
community by appying two of your disciplines to develop a solution. To
prepare for this investigation, discuss the following in a discussion post.
Using the readings that we have been discussing throughout
the semester, define interdisciplinary studies in one-two paragraphs.
Describe your hometown; make it come alive by reflecting upon
the problem you identify.
How does this definition inform your own research for your
research paper? What is the issue or problem that you identify in your
home community that may be addressed through two of your
minors?
What two minors serve as
the basis for your research paper? What theories, concepts, or ideas
from your two minors can you explain to ground your research? Define them
and discuss in a paragraph. For example:
Communication
Studies-Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
Communication
Studies-Intercultural Communication
Economics-Micro vs. Macro
Psychology-Operant
conditioning and positive/negative reinforcement
Sociology-Conflict Theory
and Resolution
Once you have defined your minors’ terms, how will you incorporate
your discussion of both IDS and the above concepts from your minors into your
paper?
Tyrone Culbreath
The Hometown Controversy
Interdisciplinary studies is an academic approach that integrates
knowledge and methodologies from multiple disciplines to address complex issues
or topics that cannot be adequately understood within the confines of a single
discipline. It involves breaking down traditional boundaries between academic
fields and encouraging collaboration across diverse areas of study. By drawing
on insights and perspectives from various disciplines, interdisciplinary
studies seek to provide a more comprehensive understanding of complex ideas,
promote innovative problem-solving, and foster a holistic approach to learning
and research. This interdisciplinary approach allows for the exploration of
connections, patterns, and intersections between different disciplines, leading
to richer insights and more nuanced analyses of multifaceted issues facing
society.
Baltimore, a vibrant city in Maryland, is grappling with high
rates of poverty, crime, and youth violence. Factors contributing to this issue
include socioeconomic disparities, limited access to quality education and
employment, and the prevalence of gangs and drug trafficking. Young people in
Baltimore often grow up in poverty-stricken communities, leading to feelings of
hopelessness and disenfranchisement. Systemic issues like racial segregation,
housing discrimination, and inadequate social service investment exacerbate the
problem. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including
community outreach, investment in education and job training programs, improved
access to mental health services, and comprehensive strategies to combat poverty
and systemic inequality. Collaboration and holistic efforts, involving
community leaders, law enforcement, government agencies, non-profit
organizations, and residents, are crucial for creating safer, more equitable
neighborhoods.
Baltimore’s youth
violence problem is a complex issue influenced by socioeconomic factors,
systemic issues, and community dynamics. Baltimore is particularly affected by
youth disengagement and lack of leadership opportunities. Many young people
face barriers to quality education, meaningful employment, and positive role
models, leading to feelings of alienation and susceptibility to negative
influences. In the context of my research on youth disengagement and lack of
leadership opportunities in my community, I can draw upon theories and concepts
from my minors in communications and leadership skills to inform and ground my
approach. In communications, I will utilize the concept of narrative
persuasion, which suggests that storytelling and framing of messages can
influence attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. By crafting compelling narratives
that highlight the potential for positive change and the importance of youth
leadership, I can effectively engage and mobilize community members to support
initiatives aimed at empowering young people. Additionally, in leadership
skills, I will apply the situational leadership theory, which emphasizes the
importance of adapting leadership styles based on the readiness and development
level of followers. By assessing the needs and capabilities of young people in
my community, I can tailor my leadership theories, concepts and ideas to
provide the appropriate level of support, guidance, and mentorship to foster
their growth and empowerment as leaders. Through the integration of these
theories and concepts, I aim to develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses
the root causes of youth disengagement while nurturing the leadership potential
of young in Baltimore to effect positive change in the communities.
The paper should aim to address youth disengagement and lack of
leadership opportunities in a community by integrating interdisciplinary
studies and communications and leadership skills concepts. The
interdisciplinary approach will analyze socioeconomic, cultural, and systemic
dynamics that shape the experiences of young people, identifying the complex
interplay of factors contributing to youth disengagement. The paper will also
develop effective strategies for addressing the issue, using narrative
persuasion from communications and situational leadership theory from
leadership skills. These strategies will craft compelling stories and messages
that resonate with community members, inspiring action to support youth
empowerment initiatives. The paper aims to create a robust framework for
understanding and addressing youth disengagement, ultimately working towards
creating positive change and fostering a culture of empowerment and leadership
amongst Baltimore youth.
Assignment: In a well-organized and thought-out
essay of at least six-eight pages, address some of the following points.
Remember, you must support your arguments with evidence from the six sources
compiled from your annotated bibliography; in addition, you may have two
additional sources, such as reputable websites. • The claims you make in your
paper are only relevant if you can demonstrate that they are true by citing
someone with credibility. You may cite your paper using either MLA or APA
style, depending on the disciplines you are using to construct the majority of
your research. • The Hometown Controversy is designed to help you think about
how you would solve a problem in the place you call home-wherever that is at
the moment-using your disciplinary foundations to guide you. Your community is
the place where you are invested emotionally, socially, culturally, and
economically, so solving a problem inherent to that community benefits
everyone. • Provide a context for your hometown problem, issue, or controversy.
Create a narrative that explains the problem, much like a reporter for a
magazine or a newspaper may write. Cite relevant local sources, such as your
local newspaper, for information. • Define Interdisciplinary theory and link it
to your hometown issue, problem, or controversy. Cite relevant class readings.
Integrate a discussion of Repko’s article, linked in the Week 1 folder, in
detail, as well as other relevant readings. Please refer to your notes from out
in-class workshops for assistance. • How do concepts, theories, and ideas from
two of your minors help to address the issue? Do not tell here; show. Discuss
relevant theories and ideas from your minors that help to address the issue. •
Sum up with a strong conclusion. Do not introduce new ideas or material and do
not end with a citation to a source-you want to end with your own conclusions
and arguments
