Many students are choosing interdisciplinary degrees as a way to explore and study multiple interests or one area of interest from multiple perspectives and often apply that learning in new and unique ways. Students love how the new Introduction to Integrative Studies text provides a foundation for learning in an interdisciplinary program! Introduction to Integrative Studies is not your standard textbook. Many students enjoy the personal and conversational tone of the text. Dr. Tanner uses examples from his own career throughout the book. By using examples from his life Dr. Tanner demonstrates through the written word topics discussed which helps provide a clearer understanding of included concepts. The text explicitly aims at helping students understand how interdisciplinary and integrative thinking can play an important role in how one interacts within their context. Introduction to Integrative Studies, written by an interdisciplinarian, is an entry level textbook for students enrolled in an interdisciplinary degree program that may have an emphasis on integrative learning. Written in an easy to read conversational tone, the text provides an overview of the basic concepts related to interdisciplinary and integrative studies. The author shares many personal stories and provides examples of interdisciplinary research, integrative learning, and how others are applying the principles and concepts in unique ways.  Instructors adopting this text will love the four part layout and ease of using each chapter as lessons during a 15 or 16 week term. The material can easily be adjusted for a four week summer term. Each chapter also includes opportunities for student to check their learning or explore other opportunities for active learning.

Table of Contents:
Introduction University Studies at Texas Tech Integrative Studies at Texas Tech AAC&U and LEAP Conclusion References PART I Interdisciplinarity & Integrative Learning 1 Chapter 1 Defining Integrative and Interdisciplinary Studies Objectives Key Terms Disciplinarity Crossdisciplinarity Multidisciplinary Interdisciplinarity Integrative Studies Transdisciplinary Conclusion Review and Discussion Making Connections References Chapter 2 History of Interdisciplinarity Objectives. Key Terms Early Civilization Education Greek Education Medieval Education 17th and 18th Century Education Interdisciplinarity in 20th Century Education Review and Discussion Making Connections References Chapter 3 Theories of Interdisciplinarity & Integrative Learning Objectives Key Terms Grand Theories Systemic Theories Learning Theories Interdisciplinary Research Process Review and Discussion Making Connections References Chapter 4 Critical Thinking and Epistemology Objectives Key Terms Worldviews Review and Discussion Making Connections References Chapter 5 Integrative Learning Objectives Key Terms Creating Your Own Integrative Experiences Integrative Learners as Lifelong Learners Review and Discussion Making Connections References PART II Interdisciplinary Research Chapter 6 Basic Research Methods Objectives Key Terms Research Goals Quantitative Research Design Experiments Qualitative Methods Evaluation Research Reporting Research Ethics Review and Discussion Making Connections. References Chapter 7 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research Objectives. Key Terms. Conditions for Successful Interdisciplinary Research. Conditions for Integration. Moving Beyond Interdisciplinarity. Mapping the Problem. Review and Discussion. Making Connections. References. Chapter 8 Methods of Integration Objectives. Key Terms. Types of Transfer. Mechanisms of Transfer. Bridges for Transfer of Learning Interdisciplinary Integration. Review and Discussion. Making Connections. References. PART III Interdisciplinary Priorities Chapter 9 Describing Interdisciplinary and Integrative Learners . Objectives. Key Terms. Speaking Metaphorically. Types of Metaphors. Interdisciplinary Society. Disadvantages and Criticism of Interdisciplinarity. Advantages of Interdisciplinarity Employers Expectations. Characteristics of Interdisciplinarians. Review and Discussion. Making Connections. References. Chapter 10 Issues on Global Perspectives and Team Leadership Objectives Key Terms Globalization Global Diversity Global Primacy Interdisciplinary Teams Problems in Interdisciplinary Teamwork Review and Discussion Making Connections References Chapter 11 Constructing Interdisciplinarity Objectives Key Terms The Family Life Cycle Construing Continuity Constructing Your Story Review and Discussion Making Connections References PART IV Interdisciplinary Portfolios Chapter 12 The Value of Interdisciplinary Studies Objectives A Systemic Complex Problem The Need for Interdisciplinary Studies Integrative Learning Value Defined Review and Discussion Making Connections References Chapter 13 Job Hunting and Interdisciplinary Portfolios Objectives Key Terms Job Hunting 101 Types of Portfolios Interdisciplinary Portfolios Review and Discussion Making Connections. References. Chapter 14 Interdisciplinary Resumes Objectives. Key Terms. Emphasize the Positive. Types of Resumes. Essential Information for the Resume. Master Resume. Online Resumes & Applications. Cover Letters . References and Recommendations. Review and Discussion. Making Connections. Chapter 15 Graduation and Graduate School Objectives. Key Terms. Graduation and the Job Search. Preparing for Graduate School . Review and Discussion. Making Connections. Index