1. A TRANSDISCIPLINARY JOURNEY: COURSE CREATION AT A SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITY   Douglas Taylor, Lecturer, CA(SA), MBA, MA Wits Business School Ute Schwaibold, Senior Lecturer/Environmental Specialist, PhD, PDM Animal, Plants and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Ingrid Watson, Lecturer, MSc, MPhil, Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry, University of the Witwatersrand Building the next generation of scientists and resilient thinkers
Introduction and who we are

2. Single Multiple Different Synthesis Holistic
Disciplinarity
Source: Jensenius, A.R. (2012)
Intradisciplary is a single view of the problem;
Multidisciplinary is multiple views of the problem;
Crossdisciplinary is the view of the problem from a different discipline;
Interdisciplinary is a synthesis of different disciplines to provide a new perspective or discipline;
Transdisciplinary is a holistic view, without the blinkers of any particular discipline.
Single Multiple Different Synthesis Holistic

3. Team Selection Gate keeper vs Floodgate keeper
Politics, posturing and agendas
Team development and drop-outs

4. Integral Theory
Thinking about change and complexity requires that we firstly understand our own values base and then understand and respect the depth of the values systems within the organisations and communities we seek to lead
The three keys of Integral Theory
it reveals the interior side of life
it sees developmental stages
it recognises and respects the individual and collective domains

5. Structure of Integral Theory

6. 4 Quadrant Analysis - Global Change Masters
1. Individual Values Teachers/Students/Course
2. Individual Behaviours The teachers/Students/Course
3. Shared Values
University/Students/Market
4. Structures Course/University/Departments

7. Team Collaboration

8. Concept Development Process
Potential employer interviews:
Specialised graduates - sociology, biology, geology, etc.
Able to work closely with team members and stakeholders of different backgrounds
Able to work comfortably across disciplines
Have a basic understanding of the concerns in these discipline areas
Aa bit about the process we've gone through to develop course so far – research and outreach

9. Concept Development Process
Best practices – UK, Europe, USA, Canada
Very little real transdisciplinarity
Three recurrent themes:
Workload
Money
Interest / Incentive
Aa bit about the process we've gone through to develop course so far – research and outreach

10. Course Development Process
Focus: “to develop creative and flexible thinkers, decision makers who can effectively navigate complex, rapidly changing, non-linear social situations and systems”
Structure laid down by university administration
A key component - content and process have similar weight
Design team learned to work together and adopt new thought and behaviour patterns.
All graduates will need to take the same paradigm into the workplace

11. 1. Individual Values

12. 2. Behaviours

13. 3. Shared Values

14. 4. Structures

15. Programme 2-year master’s: MSc and MA Year-long foundation course
Block release. Six 3-4 day sessions. Plus discussions, online, coaching, and events
Electives
Students choose pre-selected courses from across Faculties
Transdisciplinary electives developed specifically for this programme
Research
-Programme specifics: Foundation course, electives from many disciplines.
Emphasise that this is Phase 1 = Phase 2 will be offering of new qualification

16. Key Learning Points Ignore the label; build the perspectives
Create resilient multi-disciplinary teams
Deal with egos and turf issues at an individual level;
Find people with passion, purpose, perseverance
Have a course driver or leader with resilience and passion
Business environments are different – and challenging
Correct structures
Overcome stifling bureaucratic recalcitrance, workload issues and the flow of funds
Corporate arena can teach academia
Course design: practical; implementable; get through the administration hoops
Course content: know your environment; know your audience; match their needs
Teaching process: be creative; provide a learning experience; use all resources

17. Thank You
QUESTIONS?