Integrative Thinking, Synthesis, and Creativity in Interdisciplinary Studies

Abstract

One of the stated goals shared by interdisciplinary studies and liberal education in general is the development of students' integrative thinking skills, including the skill of synthesis. Elsewhere in this issue, Richards explores the limitations and possibilities of disciplinary synthesis within interdisciplinary studies. Using the word "synthesis," in a different sense, this article concentrates on synthesis as an integrative thinking skill. While the development of students' integrative thinking skills may be valued in undergraduate education, at the same time the means of teaching integrative thinking are unclear and mysterious.