Author: Cameron Rustay

It may have seemed simple at the beginning of the semester, but thinking about writing as a A-Z process is really helpful. From my own experience, I tend to think about the next five things I have to do all at one time. Due to this, I usually end up stressing and not doing any of them. Slowing down and thinking about A and only step A helps to alleviate stress and promotes a better focus. Especially with this paper, this methodology was particularly helpful in the context of a very busy semester.

The one thing that I find particularly interesting about the A-Z methodology is that it is linear and circular at the same time. Yes, as you work through the process of writing a paper for example, you move from step A, then B, etc. While this is true, it is also circular: moving from A to B sometimes requires going back and looking at A again. This point about the A-Z methodology is a built in aspect that helps with the revision process. It forces you to revise and think about what you already wrote; moving from A to B and then C requires reworking the idea presented in step A.

This methodology ties in with Interdisciplinarity because it works with more than writing papers. Whether it be studying for a biology final or writing a research proposal, this methodology can be used to better focus attention and revise your work. I have used this methodology when I have seven biology chapters to study for a test. Working one chapter at a time, not worrying about the seventh chapter when I am on the third helps to manage time and decrease stress. It is a useful tool, that can be used across many disciplines. Moran briefly mentions this in the Conclusion of Interdisciplinarity, “[interdisciplinarity apporaches] can help people to think more creatively about the relationship between their own subject and other ways of doing things both within and outside universities.” I found this quote fitting for the A-Z methodology because it is not a process confined to college. Anyone, in any discipline, anywhere can use this process. The point about thinking more creatively is also pertinent- concerning yourself with each step at a time ensures that each step will receive the utmost attention. Therefore, step A will as thought out and creative as possible, as will step B, C, D, etc.

It may take a while and a lot of time to follow the A-Z process, but from my experience, it works.

The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms, a book of terms, what’s so special about that?  Continue reading “Bedford: More than Meets the Eye”

In chapter three of Interdisciplinarity, Moran discusses how “for example, it is regarded as common sense that language is always secondary: that it neutrally describes phenomena, and that as independent, autonomous individuals, we can use language as a way of expressing ourselves and our relationship to others and the world.” This idea of language as a means of expressing relationships and Moran’s discussion of Freud and the subconscious got me thinking: is our use of language as expression always a conscious decision? Continue reading “Subconscious Expression”

Typically, I associate space with nothingness and as a static concept; I mean, it is just space after all. How much more can there be to our surroundings? Well, upon our class discussion on the concept of space, it got me thinking about how unnoticeably influential space really is. In chapter 5 of Interdisciplinarity, Moran states that “space [is] produced by a range of different agents and practices and requires the insights of other disciplines to understand and discuss it.” I found this to be important because space can have different meaning and influence depending on what lens you look at it through. Let’s consider the other idea of space, as in outer space. Continue reading “Looking into Space”

When we discussed the idea of possessing something versus being possessed by something. I found a parallel in the Byrd and Gates biography of Toomer and our class discussion. In the biography and our class discussion, I found it interesting that people were so entranced by Cane that literary groups tried to “claim” him as one of their own, the New Critics for example. As I thought about this some more, I realized that the frenzy around the novel was moving Toomer’s relationship with Cane outside the realm of Toomer possessing Cane and into Cane possessing Toomer. People became entranced or intoxicated with the novel, wanting Toomer to write a novel comparable to Cane. This related to our class discussion on the dangers of becoming intoxicated. Much like The Bacchae, Pentheus  The public intoxication with Cane was so great that it ended up affecting individuals who were not even a part of the “intoxicated frenzy”, ironically this was mainly Toomer.  Continue reading “Cane and the Frenzy”

How many times have I heard “why are you doing that”, “what are you going to do with those subjects”, and “oh that’s interesting” followed by an awkward pause when I tell people I study biology and English? Too many times. It makes sense to me, but to other people, studying two distinct disciples is a foreign idea. After being questioned all the time, I began to wonder whether or not it was a good idea to study two different fields at one time. What was the reasoning behind my major/minor decision? I had no intention of reconsidering my studies, but it did make me reflect on why I did what I did. I thought that I just liked the two subjects and that was a good enough reason, but I never really considered if there was a stronger driving force. Then I read the introduction to Interdisciplinarity and it reassured my thought process.

Continue reading “Living the Interdisciplinarity Life”