s.malz
Master of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies
I am naturally motivated to make meaningful connections within paradigms, but also across paradigms. I think the gaps in our understanding lie in the intersections of different ways of thinking and doing where the virtue of discipline actually inhibits our ability to bend and flex in order to come together. The pursuit of creating bridges and collaboration is a deeply fulfilling endeavor if one can brave complexity with a sense of curiosity. More than the need to know where my academic pursuit would lead me was the motivation to acquire knowledge, make meaningful connections and strategize on alternative ways of thinking, being and doing. The mode of inquiry practiced in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) program provided me with just that.
This portfolio offers more questions than answers. Still, it houses some meaningful realizations, and ongoing contentions (within myself and the literature) and highlights what I have come to know or question through my MAIS journey. I share how I have translated my academic learning into the workplace and where there are opportunities to do so in the future. I connect projects I have undertaken inside and outside the classroom. I also unpack the disillusionment and inspiration to be found in navigating both spaces. This portfolio also highlights some of my achievements within the MAIS program as a reminder that growth lies on the other side of intentional effort. This is a place to reflect on the challenges I have overcome as a student and writer. This is also a place to cite interpersonal conversations that came from some of my academic learnings and where I found challenge and growth on that front. As I continue to apply, reflect, and revise my professional efforts and as my undertakings pivot and evolve, this portfolio will serve as a place to trace my journey as an interdisciplinary professional.
What Is Interdisciplinarity Anyway?
1 + 1 = 3
A combination of interpretations to create a new perspective.
Engaging playfully with tensions. Remaining consistently open to revision.
I imagine interdisciplinary as a pool with many floating beach balls. Sometimes we might have to take some balls out to create space for movement and exchange. Sometimes we will have to add beach balls to mix up the status quo. Sometimes we will find that some balls don’t fit like the others. Other times we’ll see how different balls have more have in common than we thought. There will probably be a rubber duck, a live octopus, and a used band-aid in there too. The trick is to keep these things afloat and interesting, finding novel relationships between the mix rather than resigning to one corner where it’s sometimes more comfortable but ultimately disconnected from the rich experience that is the pool.
Recurring Themes
01.
An Integrative Approach
How do we do interdisciplinary research with reconciliation with Indigenous communities and other diverse groups in mind? Our models and systems are inherently colonial. How do we bridge incompatibilities in approaches without reinforcing inequities?
02.
Incompatible Definitions
In a world where language is continuously evolving, and many folks don’t have the same definition of the topics, issues, and challenges at hand, how do we foster understanding and collaboration? In the age of information, how do we work to have real, connected conversation?
03.
Writing for Transformation
How do we leverage personal and creative writing for social or political change? How do we embrace ambiguity and lack of easy answers while still operating within social structures that demand clarity? How do we use Creative Nonfiction to bridge gaps?
Artifacts
The following Artifacts explore the above themes and have contributed to integrating my learning.
Click on the images below to explore each of these Artifacts further.
Artifact One
Artifact Two
Artifact Three
Reflecting on the insight from this class discussion that supported my identity development as an interdisciplinary professional and provided me a tangible framework to apply in the workplace.
A final paper on the different definitions of system and how the disparate use of language can complicate how we relate and collaborate. A reflection on what we have to gain from embracing the messiness.
Reflecting on a Creative Nonfiction (CNF) piece and how this form of expression can bring people together and mobilize social and political efforts. Unpacking how CNF is a tool for personal and collective transformation.