Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities

Abstract In interdisciplinary studies focused on contemporization, a comprehensive model that accounts for all its existential dimensions is still lacking. Accordingly, this article aims to explain and classify the discourse of contemporization within interdisciplinary theoretical studies, assess the capacities (strengths and weaknesses) of various academic disciplines in understanding and adapting to the process of contemporization, and examine the impact of integrating different fields of knowledge—through an interdisciplinary approach—on enhancing the understanding of contemporization.This study employs content analysis using an inductive reasoning approach, combined with a systematic literature review. A quantitative–qualitative content analysis was conducted on Persian-language sources related to contemporization. Based on frequency, the reviewed studies are categorized into four domains: architecture and urban planning, art, religion, and literature. Each domain contains subcategories that are thematically aligned with the main research topic. Among these domains, architecture and urban planning—having the highest number of core topics—has played a pioneering role in this field. Another major contribution of this study is the presentation of a model for the discourse of contemporization.The findings indicate that contemporization is an uneven process, as the pace at which different fields of knowledge adapt to contemporary developments varies, leading to asynchronicity and, consequently, incompatibility. Although individual disciplines demonstrate limited capacity for comprehensively understanding the process of contemporization on their own, interdisciplinary interaction at three levels—fundamental, methodological, and applied—enhances the overall capacity of the system. The four scientific domains can contribute to the process of contemporization in two fundamental ways: first, by redefining the dialectical relationship between tradition and modernity within their specialized fields; and second, by acting as cultural translators that render abstract concepts of modernity into a language accessible to society.

Abstract The sense of place, as an inherently interdisciplinary and multilayered concept, occupies a central position in understanding human lived experience. This study adopts a qualitative approach and employs comparative analysis to examine the factors that shape the sense of place within the realms of architecture and cinema. By leveraging the analytical capacities of interdisciplinary inquiry, it proposes a comprehensive framework for interpreting this phenomenon. The primary objective of this research is to explicate the common foundations of sense of place within an interdisciplinary approach. This study serves as an example of applying an interdisciplinary approach in the humanities, contributing both to the development of interdisciplinary research methodology and to a deeper understanding of the concept of sense of place. In this regard, three levels, physical, activity-based, and semantic, have been selected as the main dimensions of analysis. The results demonstrate that despite the media differences between architecture and cinema, the mechanisms of sense of place formation in both domains follow a similar pattern and lead to an integrated experience through the interaction of physical, behavioral, and semantic elements. This research emphasizes the synergistic capacity of architecture and cinema in creating meaningful and narrative-oriented spaces, and introduces the interdisciplinary approach as an effective tool for understanding the complexities of place experience in contemporary cultural and social contexts.

Abstract The movement from intra-disciplinary toward inter-disciplinary approaches by focusing on real-world problems is a growing trend in higher education. Thus, next generation universities will move toward inter-disciplinary discourses. In the meantime, systematic studies of futures or futures studies have also been considered by academics in various fields. In this qualitative meta-synthesis, an attempt is made to investigate the status of future-oriented studies in various disciplines in order to map the distribution these studies. Through a rigorous selection process, 737 articles were chosen and categorized into 19 main categories and 350 secondary categories which were correspondingly classified under more detailed sub-categories. The results indicate that geographical planning, security, and corporate foresight have had the highest application of futures studies. By contrast, sports, women’s studies and futures of professions had the lowest number of articles.  This paper highlights the conspicuous gaps in future-oriented interdisciplinary researches along with their strength and weaknesses.

Abstract With the growing complexity of current and future world issues, the interconnectedness and, interdependence of thematic areas has become one of the shared norms and practices today. This also has led to the development of interdisciplinary studies in scientific and technological institutions and has become one of the universal trends of policy-making in science, technology and, innovation domains. Climate change, environmental pollution, the steady increase in longevity and aging of societies, global poverty, international financial crises, global diseases, terrorism, addiction and injustice are some of the topics whose foresight is beyond the power of individual and requires thinking, dialogue and cooperation in different specialized fields. The main question is: Which future scenarios can lead to the development of interdisciplinary studies in Iran’s medical universities? Documentary studies, expert panels and brainstorming are some of the methods applied in this research. The findings include: first, interdisciplinary knowledge is identified in response to complex social issues rooted in the present and the future; second, the development of interdisciplinarity in medical sciences requires a process of simultaneous top-down and bottom-up development; third, building a preferable future for the development of interdisciplinary knowledge in Iran's medical sciences involves attention to the facts that shape the subject at different levels from objective to subjective, and, therefore, a range of short-term to long-term approaches, plans and actions to build objectivity and related mindsets.

Abstract The COVID-19 crisis in Iran has drawn the attention of academic scholars in all fields of knowledge. The researchers of humanities and social sciences as the same as the scholars of medical sciences and epidemiologists have been trying to participate in the whole process of crisis management. There have been published an enormous number of books and articles in the scopes of sociology, history, philosophy, linguistics, psychology, anthropology, economics, management, literature, geography, politics, theology etc. in Farsi, English, and other languages by Iranian and non-Iranian authors and researchers. This plethora of literature indicates that the Corona crisis is an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary phenomenon so that we cannot face that with disciplinary viewpoints. Besides, during the last few months, humanities and social sciences have proved their abilities and values to serve the society in critical situations. The scholars of these areas of knowledge have been involved in academic studies and activities, which their results have been digitally published for the public. These scholars, as social actors, have also been participating in volunteering and civic activities to provide help for the people. Articles published in this issue of the journal of interdisciplinary studies in humanities are parts of that huge job.

Abstract Apart from the fact that the conceptualization and application of interdisciplinary fields are still in midway, most studies in this field have focused on f the university and paid attention to the necessity of establishing an interdisciplinarity at the university. However, academic experience has shown that a student at the university who has not learned interdisciplinary skills before (in a pre-academic period or school), is weak in the understanding and use of interdisciplinarity at the university. From this viewpoint, regardless of the concept of "discipline," which remains a specialized activity in the university, the term "interdisciplinarity" expresses a set of future-oriented skills that have to be from the first stage of human development in the Education Portfolios. This paper is a theoretical and analytical attempt to extend interdisciplinarity in pre-academic literature. In this paper, first the feasibility and necessity of pre-academic interdisciplinarity are studied, and second, some practical solutions are offered to achieve this goal in order to form a collage of the future of the school. This collage is a future image of the schools where the interdisciplinary human achieves skills such as adaptability, teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving for living in a complex environment.

Abstract Studying the culture of every community, because of identity characteristics and borders distinguishing different communities, is one of the main requirements for understanding that community. Although researchers from different fields have carried out studies on the culture of university as an important community, unlike other studies on universities, numerous shortcomings and gaps can be found in these studies, leaving studies on academic culture at an immature stage. The present article aims to analyze concepts, views and theories related to this field in order to deal with these problems. The analysis carried out here shows that failure in the conceptual and methodological development of studies on ‘university culture’, regardless of the complexity of the concepts of culture, organization and university, has three main reasons: failure to distinguish between “culture of university” and “academic culture”, failure to recognize that studies on university culture belong to interdisciplinary fields, and failure to methodologically distinguish between the ‘has approach’ (culture as a variable) and ‘is approach’ (culture as a root metaphor).

Abstract Organizations, community groups, elites, and government policies in many ways influence the process of future construction, while they are heavily influenced by various scholars. Based on the theories of social status and socialization, and the policy model for the elite of the masses, the future is continually being influenced by the individual and organizational elements that are active in the society, and these individuals and organizations, usually they formulate their actions with scientific justifications, which are taught in interaction with scientists and elites. Moreover, the scientific findings from the efforts of various scholars may be influenced by a set of theories focused on the implementation of the future world. Because these interdisciplinary sciences are the theoretical outcomes of various sciences and technologies, they affect theories and strategies of change and future transformation programs; the effect of the influence of knowledge in the general language, the logic of government agents, and the procedures Behavioral and constructive structure in the process of development of organizations and social institutions. This article discusses how the future is made. The process of constructing the future introduces the ultimate social components, linguistic facts, decision-making and active actors of actors (organizations, people, and elites). These components shape the future reality by influencing interdisciplinary sciences and their mutual influence on it.

Abstract Analogy and metaphor are among figures of speech and play an important role in explaining the complexity. Even though metaphors often are considered among figures of speech but in recent modern years have been used in Scientific discoveries. So we could consider metaphors as a key instrument for removing ambiguity of complex Phenomena. Complexity is a fundamental  Criterion in interdisciplinary studies. So metaphors are very efficient in resolving complexity of interdisciplinary problems. We found six metaphors, as follows, with specific functions in interdisciplinary process: Crossing boundaries, Bridge building, Restructuring, Mapping, Archipelago, and Bilingualism. The four main applications of these metaphors are: 1) Explaining the general meaning of interdisciplinarity; 2) Defining the quality of interaction of disciplines; 3) Determining how to set up a dialogue between disciplines; And 4) Supporting to extract interdisciplinary issues and problems and Research program. With this four applicants we could claim that metaphors are useful instruments throughout the interdisciplinary process.

Abstract Classical classification with two-value logic is the basis of most of the classification schemes, while with the emergence of interdisciplinary sciences, this has become challenging in properly determining their stance in the classification of science. The method adopted in this study is analytic consisting of document analysis and content analysis. In the first, applying the targeted sampling method, the texts and documents related to the subject are assessed and in second, 125 methods (75 science and 50 library-bibliographic classification). The information related to categories, subcategories, indicators, etc. are identified and registered in the checklists. Here, the census method is adopted. As to the 75 classification systems of science, the oldest is the Vedic classification. In relation to Bibliographic Classification Systems, 50 classification systems, they are of four categories of ancient, medieval, new and modern centuries. The study of main categories, and subcategories of classification of science systems and library-bibliographic classification systems indicate that basis of “division of science” or “division of written sources” in these systems are subject or field and interdisciplinary sciences are not considered in an independent manner. Therefore, we are faced with binary, triple, quaternary etc. in most library-bibliographic classification systems and in the classification systems of sciences, which are in fact derived from classical logic. The results of the research indicate that the interdisciplinary science fields lack an independent position in 125 classification systems. In brief, the fuzzy logic is proposed as a substitute methodology and logic in the classification of sciences and library references.

Abstract The hard/soft as well as disciplinary/interdisciplinary divides have been interesting topics in the history and philosophy of science. In this study, these two divides will be revisited in the light of the sub-genre, "article title". The article title is the initial section of any article that readers encounter and decide whether they continue to follow the text. To conduct the study, 6000 article titles (3000 Persian and 3000 English titles) published in peer-reviewed and ISI journals in 12 disciplines and interdisciplinaries have been collected and their length as well as the frequency of three punctuation marks, i.e. colon (:), comma (,) and question mark (?) are counted. It is revealed that 72281 words make the whole corpus with 12 words as average for each title. The Persian titles are reported longer than English ones, whereas the frequency of three punctuation marks is higher in English corpus. The results indicate that the research article titles have become longer during years and decades both in Persian and English. In sum, the findings confirm that the previous scholars' position on the rigidness of hard/soft as well as disciplinary/interdisciplinary divides are also acceptable in sub-genres such as article titles.

Abstract The fundamental change in language research, which started with Saussure in the early twentieth century and led to the establishment of modern linguistics, restricted the said research within the so-called central part of language, i. e., the language system, without taking into consideration anything that was conceived as external to language as an autonomous system. In terms of its clearly-defined theoretical structure and subject, modern linguistics once again became an influential leading discipline in the humanities and social sciences. It achieved a great deal, but its achievements took place at the cost of isolating language from its environment and excluding the user of language and the context in which language is used from the scope of linguistic analysis. Although this stance has long been criticized by scholars who prefer to see language within a more extended context, it has generally been ignored by mainstream linguists who dominate linguistic circles. However, in the last few decades of the twentieth century, significant changes have taken place in linguistic studies. These changes have brought about a new era, the era of ″post-modern linguistics″, in which the theoretical foundations of modern linguistics are problematized and the way language is viewed and investigated is profoundly renewed. This article is written in a narrative form describing the linguistic change from modernism to postmodernism and in the course of this review it will become clear in which research perspective the two main linguistics directions (theoretical and applied) are located: disciplinary interdisciplinary and transdisiplinary? In other words what is the object of linguistics research?

Abstract Psychology as a hub science has a good capacity to connect human sciences. Purposes of this article were: Reviewing historical interest among psychologist for interdisciplinary studies; Investigating common issues between psychology and other human sciences; Explaining psychological causes for failures of interdisciplinary studies in human sciences in Iran; Clarifying role of interdisciplinary institutions for higher education development; Presenting ways for integrating psychologist in interdisciplinary studies in Iran. Interdisciplinary studies need to develop interdisciplinary institutions that consider psychological, social and moral needs of human being and society. In Iran, maladaptive group process in team work, self-serving bias and shortages of interdisciplinary institutions as a social scaffolding for developing of human science may probably explain failures of interdisciplinary cooperation. Development of interdisciplinary institutions which psychology could have an active role needs to alter educational curriculums for psychology, developing new domain of psychology, and adopting discursive perspectives in psychology.

Abstract Science diplomacy is a developing foreign policy and international relationship among nations is affected by science and technology. Because of the major role of higher education in the production and dissemination of science and new technology, this important organization has always been attractive. This study is an investigation into measurements and factors for developing science diplomacy and the role of higher education as a fundamental factor in foreign diplomacy. This study is of applied type. The researcher-made questionnaire is the tool for data gathering in this paper. The sample in this research is composed of the faculty members of Khajeh Nasir Toosi University. The results show and confirm 3 dimensions and 33 elements for developing science diplomacy and 5 factors and 21 measurements for the role of higher education in developing science diplomacy. The main suggestions for higher education and foreign policy are developing infrastructure, developing international cooperation among universities, and finding solutions for shared challenges especially among neighboring countries.

Abstract Geography as a science of the spatial analysis of phenomena is based on three main objectives: studying spatial structures, examining the locational-spatial order of socio-economic activities, and searching spatial relationships and functions through hierarchical leveling of rural and urban settlements. The applied form of geography or “spatial planning” addresses the modification of spatial structures, the locational-spatial order of activities, and the organization of spatial relationships and functions. There are mutual interactions between structure and function in this spatial order. Science has developed a complex structure through the electronic revolution, which is called “third wave science”; also specialized studies have developed. Specialized studies result in a very deep understanding of subjects, but this deep understanding always remains just in a “spot” and its applications could be traumatic, which is because it is not regulated in combination with other dimensions of human life. This kind of science cannot be beneficial in human life or solve some important problems. The main aim of this article, which is based on qualitative content analysis, is to analyze geography as an interdisciplinary science. The findings of the study show that geographical research has interdisciplinary characteristics; otherwise it cannot explain today’s complex problems. Geography can both use the findings of other sciences, including statistics, mathematics, economics, sociology, history and psychology, and provide them with services and help.

Abstract Environmental problems, expanding knowledge and developing new technologies for environmental curriculum in higher education require planning environmental curriculum and developing academic thinking in relation to the dynamics of past, present and future. The purpose of present study is to analyze the interdisciplinary curriculum of environmental education in higher education. The research methodology is descriptive. The research population is composed of 759 professors and students of environmental education at Iranian universities, including 40 teachers and 719 students. The sampling of students was random; based on the proposed model by Morgan and Krejcie, 250 students were selected. However, the professors were selected using census mthod. The research data were collected using questionnaires developed by the researchers in this study. The validity was assessed 0.8, using opinions of experts and Lawshe’s Formula, and the reliability was calculated 0.806 based on Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The SWOT matrix was used for the analysis and interpretation of the data. Considering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, the current strategy of higher education system in the environmental curriculum, is an offensive strategy, a strategy that uses the strengths and takes advantage of opportunities to advance the goals of development and progress. This type of strategy is the optimal strategy. 

Abstract “Space” was architecture’s main keyword between the 1890s and 1960s, but it lost its significance in architecture gradually; this was mainly due to the prevalence of postmodern semiotics and theories of “place” in architecture. Social science however went through an inverse path. In the nineteenth century, in modern consciousness and through historicism, space became subordinate to time, time became linear, space became marginalized, and the temporal “stages” of development gained importance. Space in this period was a Cartesian/Newtonian abstract notion which was neutral in relation to society, history and context; and thus it was not in the domain of social sciences studies. In twentieth century, however, the social analyses adopted spatiality gradually, to the extent that the late twentieth century transformations in this field were called “the spatial turn”. Through investigating these two lines of evolution, it will be discussed in this article that with the adoption of a relational ontology concerning space and its enrichment through inter- and trans-disciplinary studies, “space”, as a keyword, can continue to be of importance in architectural theory and play a mediating role in its relation with social science.

Abstract Humanism was introduced to psychologists through Maslow and Rogers’s views in the twentieth century. This school deals with the human needs and his innate tendencies. Utopia, exalted experiences, religious experiences, high motivations and human nature are among Maslow and Rogers’s ideas. 
  
Attar, one of the greatest Muslim mystics of the 6^th and 7^th centuries has also considered these subjects in his poems and has tried to explain and interpret them. Many of Attar’s ideas can be explained using ideas and principles in humanism and it can be highlighted that he has tried to advance some theories in this field. In fact, it is obvious that, like many other mystics, Attar has utilized psychological concepts in his teachings, and his ideas and theories in this regard can be unraveled through scholarly research on his writings on the part of experts in psychology. On the other hand, to interpret many of the mystical ideas, it is necessary to be familiar with some theories in psychology. The present research, as a descriptive-analytical research, tries to explain Attar’s ideas about human needs, perfect man, exalted experiences and high motivation using the ideas and principles in humanism.

Abstract Christian Norberg- Schulz explained his ideas about the phenomenology of architecture, indebted to Martin Heidegger’s opinionsand believed that one of the main strategies for identification of the place is creating meaningful environments. Schulz can be considered as one of theorists who created new ideas in architecture after Gideon and believed that considering to other scientific fields is necessary to achieve the true nature of architecture. In fact the phenomenological approach can be understood as an interdisciplinary species that explain about existence and cognition in other fields like designing different spaces. Accordingly emphasizing on interdisciplinary trends and studies can help to identify and understand the multiple issues and by studying the different approaches, the scientific expansion of the problem’s aspects will be possible. This article with an Interdisciplinary and phenomenological point of view and due to the main ideas of Norberg- Schulz, analyses the concept of place and space and also the importance of concerning about children’s spaces. So at first a brief knowledge about the book of Norberg-Schulz in phenomenological approach will be achieved and by studying the opinions of other theorists, some results about the importance of considering the concept of genius loci in architectural spaces will be achieved. In this document, by using the descriptive- analytical method and by means of data collection, including studies, library and documentation, the relating concepts and strategies of improving the quality of children’s spaces, is analyzed. According to this article, It could be said that meanings, culture and history of a place, include identifying factors that cause creating memories and a sense of belonging to the place for individuals and thus the formation of their personality in childhood. So one of the main tasks of modern architects is creating a sense of space in children’s spaces and reminding their tradition and cultural identity in this way, so that children can establish a close relationship between the past, present and future.

Abstract Among the various and different categories provided for the political thoughts in Islam and Iran, the emphasis is usually on political jurisdiction, political philosophy, political theology and Siyāsatnāma (Book of Government); but the most Iranian area of thinking in Islamic Iran must be sought in poetry. Because the Iranian sphere of thought is poetry. Most jurists, philosophers, theologians and mystics of Persia, when wanted to freely express their heart, have relied on poetry. However, unfortunately, due to the extreme specialization of academic courses and lack of interdisciplinary studies, political literature is not considered as an important subject in intellectuals thinking and academic considerations. This paper invited thinkers to systematically focus on this interdisciplinary course and seeking typology of poetry based on its political function. Political literature (including poem and the rhythmic prose) has been divided to the heroic and patriotic literature, critical literature, reformist literature, praising literature, resistance literature and social and political satire; Ferdowsi, Hafez, Saadi Shirazi, Unsuri Balkhi, Saif Farghani, Nasir Khusraw, Ubayd Zakani are the representatives of these literary types that have been studied in this paper.

Abstract The method is an essential and determining element in any action for being successful; among them, the method is of high importance in research and studying. In this respect, the study and research are not so important per se, as how it’s fulfilled. The present paper aims to introduce the general method with unlimited application in order to do the interdisciplinary research and study and also enumerate the analysis and usage of critical thinking to present it as a general method to fulfill the interdisciplinary study and research of Humanities.

Abstract Relentless efforts of scholars in humanities to strike a balance between the beliefs of human beings about the world and life on the hand, and the issue of outlook on life (world view) indicates that there is a large gap between people’s beliefs and their outlook on life (world view). Thus, it seems that any thought (however metaphysical or abstract), any experience (at any level of intuition), any point of view and belief (however intra-disciplinary or dated historically) is inevitably influenced by the social conditions. On the other hand, one of the most critical problems in humanities is the lack of paradigm. Therefore Interdisciplinary studies can fill in a portion of this gap. Interdisciplinary Studies and coordination of different specializations in the study or a single problem or various problems requires in the first place, an open, coordinated and analytical mind as well as the thought and initiative of the elite. Interdisciplinary Studies are not limited to specific discipline and cannot be limited within a specific boundary. All scholars in humanities, especially in Iran, should be actively involved in Interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and meta-disciplinary Studies based on their deep philosophical knowledge, academic capabilities, historical background and recent political developments in the country. This is because no human social activity is one-dimensional. Interaction between different disciplines in humanities, however, has made it possible for the humanities to follow new topics in all academic areas. Therefore fallibility of human knowledge, its complimentary nature, multi originality of knowledge and moral commitment necessitate a serious approach to interdisciplinary studies in humanities. 

Abstract One characteristic of interdisciplinary educations is creating a connection between theoretical and practical spheres of education, and also establishing an effective bond between science and everyday social realities. “Social policy”, as an interdisciplinary, that deals with systematic and complex issues in everyday life includes the both characteristics. Although “Social policy” has established its own independent identity as a university discipline in some universities around the world; its necessity as a part of the structure of academic education has not been recognized in a clear and independent way in Iran. The present research, while aware of the insufficient attention given to the interdisciplinary of “social policy” in Iran, seek to answer this research question: What are the conditions of possibility and reasons for preventing the establishment of “social policy” in the higher education of Iransocial? Based on the findings, the nature of the subject of “social policy”, the defective structure of academic education in Iran, and the inefficacy of the intellectual discourse in paying attention to subjects related to “social policy” can be highlighted as the reasons for preventing the establishment of “social policy”. The conditions of possibility for the establishment of “social policy” as an interdisciplinary, can be examined at two levels. First, at the cognitive level, which concerns the strategic role of “social policy” discipline in social policy-making, and second, at the applied level, which requires understanding the problematic social conditions in Iran and the necessity of a scientific understanding of these conditions. Therefore, the establishment of academic “social policy” can be concerned with its epistemological aspect with the aim of developing social knowledge in Iran, and also, considering its functional importance and its applicative role, it can help reduce the costs of social policy-making opportunities by establishing a connection between social, political and security aspects and the scientific aspects of social phenomena.

Abstract This paper constitutes of two main sections: the first section examines academic disciplines in the world theoretically. This section deals with issues such as what are academic disciplines, how they emerged and evolved, what functions they have had, and finally, what problems and crisis they have in terms of their functions. The second section of the paper deals with the state of academic disciplines in Iran. To examine Iranian academic disciplines I have studied social and historical context of emergence and development of academic disciplines in Iran. I have also compared similarities and differences of academic disciplines functions in Iran and the west.  Finally, I tried to explain Iranian academic disciplines encounter which challenges and difficulties today. This paper examines academic disciplines from sociological and cultural studies approach. It is mainly a theoretical and conceptual analysis of the state of discipline in the academic system. Cultural studies, as Moran (Moran 2001) explains, is a kind of approach rather than a specific discipline. From this point of view, each discipline has its own interdisciplinary field and cultural studies. In addition, cultural studies approach explains and explores social and political context disciplines.

Abstract Academic interdisciplinaries demand their own specific standards of excellence. This study attempts to design a conceptual model and to edit its structural indices in university and descriptive-analytic method is used in it. For this reason, at first conceptual dimensions of the structure have been identified and appropriate indices and criteria have been designed and edited on the basis of those factors. The population survey includes documents and reports exist in information databases that are accessible to the researcher with regard to the research topic, and sampling has been characterized by the use of purposeful sampling. Results of the study reveals that in order to develop an academic interdisciplinary structure  one has to pay attention to the five conceptual dimensions Including interdisciplinary philosophy, conditions and situations, selection, balance and mass participation, as well as five main factors in strategies for making interdisciplinary structure which includes: policies, management and organizational structure, infrastructure support, leadership, support and supervision, funding, the officialism. So in this research to create an interdisciplinary structure, factors, specific criteria and indicators were identified and designed.