Interdisciplinarity and the American Public Research University

Abstract

As the American public research university continues to evolve, knowledge production as a public good remains a vital function. Within the institution, academic disciplines remain as the standard that provide a context for the development of particular forms of knowledge. Increasingly, however, the disciplines are perceived as structural, cognitive, and cultural barriers to knowledge production. Drawing on the status quo around academic disciplines and the origins of academic work, it is imperative to try to conceptualize interdisciplinary endeavors for the future of public research university as interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity become more and more popular. Although the traditional academic disciplines are vital in knowledge production and engagement, when faced with the dynamic and complex challenges of contemporary society, interdisciplinarity brings more advantages in addressing these problems as they have the potential of fostering engagement across boundaries and integrating knowledge from multiple fields of study. Institutionally defined strategies that support and foster interdisciplinary inquiry will lead the advancement of the mission of public research universities.