INTS2310_WIS_CCD

What is Integrative Studies?


Clayton Daniels

Texas Tech University


Definition

My whole life I have been needing integrative studies to synthesize my studies and life.

Ever since high school, when I was prompted to think about a major I would like or be good at, I

had a problem deciding. I am finally coming to a realization that I still want to be everything. I

have interests and hobbies that include playing music, singing, sports, science, math, gardening,

target shooting, socializing, and learning. Although I have been developing disciplines in

multiple areas this whole time I have had no way or knowledge on how to synthesis them and

use them to become successful. Integrative studies will help me use my skills in an

interdisciplinary manner to solve complex problems.

My three concentrations will be more effective with integrative studies to tie them

together. I chose my three because they go along with my strong suits: math, and working with

people. Integrative studies will provide a synthesis to my studies so I can apply them to solve

complex problems. It will do so by allowing me to look at a complex problem through three

different scopes at a university level and solve it. Even further more it will allow me to use my

education, personal, and business experience, in conjunction, to have a broader perspective and

therefore have more intelligent solutions. This is must more beneficial than just solving a

problem with one train of thought. Integrative studies will allow me to see more outcomes and

the effects they will have.

Education

My three areas of concentration are Business Administration, Personal Financial Planning,

and Communication Studies. I chose Business Administration because I have always been

interested in how businesses are run and making money. Business Administration will give


me an understanding on business’ interests and how I can become successful in companies.

Personal Financial Planning works for me because it will discipline me with my own

finances but more importantly it will help me understand other peoples finances, their

attitude and behaviors with money, and how to communicate and work with them. I like

working with people and that is exactly what Personal Financial Planning is. I have worked

in the automobile industry before as a salesman. This gave me an opportunity to have

insight into people’s behavior with money by seeing credit reports and talking to consumers

and figuring out what it takes to persuade someone to sign a contract for a substantial loan.

This has drawn further interest from me. I want to know what people are doing with their

money, what drives them to do so, and what they should be doing with their money.

Personal Financial Planning will help me to understand this.

Communication Studies seemed to be an obvious pick for me. I am gregarious, outgoing,

and sometimes even loud. I love to talk and to communicate, and so it would make sense to

become more competent and have a better understanding of something I am doing all of the time.

I have always been a people person and have had a high EQ; and I would like to build on that

strength.

Integrative studies has shown me recently that it does not matter as much about what

three concentrations you are studying or best at, but how you are going to synthesize them to

solve complex problems and become successful. With integrative studies I can use my

concentrations with interdisciplinary to have a broader spectrum of knowledge and use it

effectively. My three areas of centration come together to create a specialized degree because I

can look at a business situation that is business to consumer and can see both the business’

perspective and the consumer’s perspective and effectively communicate the points to both


parties. I will have the consumers or clients perspective and understand their reasons for

financial decisions. With the ability to understand clients and communicate with them effectively

I can manipulate consumer’s behaviors to benefit my company. Communication is one of the

strongest tools we have today and with the constant growth and expansion of technology, good

communication is essential. No matter what business you are in communication will be utilized.

A strong sense of communication is not enough to run certain business positions. My minor in

Business Administration in conjunction with Communication Studies will serve me well in the

business world. Even the smartest business executives can be held back by their communication

skills or lack of. By synthesizing Personal Financial Planning, Business Administration, and

Communication Studies and applying them to solve complex problems I will become successful

with this degree.

Complex Problems

A new complex problem that has recently surfaced in today’s fast growing nation is

regulating marijuana legalization. More specifically, states that have deemed it medical or

recreational (California and Colorado) need a way to regulate it. Currently, the marijuana that is

being distributed in California and Colorado is not regulated for its quality or contents. There

could be anything from residual chemical fertilizers, to mold in the marijuana that could harm

someone if consumed, not to mention the fact that most people are combusting the material to

“take their medicine” or get high.

In order to solve this problem there are multiple perspectives you must adopt. The first

and arguably the most important perspective you must use to view this problem is Political

Science. You have to understand the law and how it is made. The government plays the biggest

role in regulating substances, so you will need a strong understanding of it. When it comes to the


technical field of regulating marijuana you will need to consult the perspective of someone who

practices medicine. A doctorate of medicine will be able to come up with efficient methods to

test the material for quality, come up with recommended dosages, and what they deem to be

intoxicating amounts. Finally, you will need a Sociologist point of view to see how it will affect

the public’s opinion or even behavior. Creating legislation about controversial topics like this

require a sensitivity to the outcome for the people as well.

Connection

When I graduate I would like to use my specialized degree to work with an insurance

company. Whether I start in sales or risk assessment my minor in Business Administration will

aid me in understanding how the company works, what it does to earn revenues, and the

expenses it incurs. With a basic understanding of business and future business experience I can

move up to higher level positions and management. Communication Studies will serve me the

greatest if I am an agent selling, although it can improve any interactions between co-workers or

clients. An important aspect of communication to us here in the United States that is emphasized

in Communication Studies is to be sensitive to different cultures. Eye contact, hand movements,

and tone should be catered to in different culture. This will allow me to work with a broad

spectrum of people. Personal Financial Planning is the third discipline that I will use to enhance

my work competence. I will be able to talk to people about their money in a way that won’t

offend them and that they can understand.

My specialized degree will help me solve complex problems in the business world or

anywhere. This degree gives me a background in Integrative Studies which will allow me to

solve complex problems that are outside my disciplines by redefining the problem and


incorporating the correct disciplines. In turn, this will further motivate me to be a lifelong learner

and to become successful.


What is Integrative Studies? Grading Rubric

CriteriaPoints

PossiblePoints Earned

General

Paper adheres to APA formatting (title page, citations, references page, etc.). This rubric pasted at the end of the assignment.

15

Writing is clear with appropriate grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Headings are appropriately labeled

10

Definition (250 words)

Defines Integrative Studies in a personal way. Definition is clearly derived from course definition.

10

Student discusses how Integrative Studies is beneficial. 10

Education (500 words)

Discusses 3 areas of concentration and connections. Also discusses the specialized nature of degree program.

20

Complex Problem (250 words)

Identifies a complex problem and perspectives (outside 3 areas) that might be used to research problem.

20

Connection (250 words)

Discusses future plans/next steps. 15

Total 100

Instructor Comments:

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INTS2310_WIS_CCD