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Interdisciplinary collaboration has the potential to expand your thinking, introduce you to new methodologies, and enrich your research in unexpected ways. For graduate students in the humanities, I think that building these connections can foster creativity and offer fresh perspectives for your own research.

One of the primary benefits of interdisciplinary engagement is the opportunity to apply different lenses to whatever research project or question you have bouncing around in your mind. My own work in contemporary American literature has benefited greatly from conversations with peers and faculty at the University of Rochester in visual and cultural atudies (VCS), history, and anthropology. I’ve found that by incorporating interdisciplinary insights, I’ve been able to ask more nuanced questions and frame my arguments in a broader context as well as adapt my writing to diverse audiences within the academic community.

But how on earth do you find these opportunities? Where are these people hiding??

My first interdisciplinary steps came in the form of coursework. The English program has a wonderful relationship with the programs in history and VCS. In fact, some English faculty even teach in VCS. I seized the day and took an entire semester of graduate seminars of essentially art history classes… as a literature student. In brief, it rocked my world. I was able to merge my new understanding of photography and architecture with my work in literature and have produced some pieces of research I’m incredibly proud of.

Beyond taking classes, the University of Rochester offers incredible opportunities to encounter and engage scholars outside of your immediate field. Initiatives like the Humanities Center’s Jesse L. Rosenberger Work in Progress Seminars allow you to interact with the work of early-career scholars from both inside and outside the University. External fellows come for a year and share their work at a free luncheon. I’ve heard talks from music theorists, radical feminists, anthropologists, and more.

Next, you can build interdisciplinary bridges by joining reading groups, which provide a space where you can share your experience, your insights, and explore new ideas. Participating in these groups (and even organized a few) has connected me with colleagues across the humanities disciplines who are thinking about similar themes from different angles. Some of these reading groups are hosted by graduate students, and some are hosted by departments. I’ve been involved with reading groups in the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program, the Susan B. Anthony Institute for Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, the Humanities Center, and even hosted a casual summer reading group for graduate students.

Outside of the University, consider applying to conferences and symposia that welcome interdisciplinary participation. Presenting your research in adjacent settings strengthens your academic network and can help you communicate your ideas to a wider audience. For example, I’ve presented at both literary conferences and writing conferences, but recently had the opportunity to take my writing research to an education conference, where I spoke about writing pedagogy.

Building interdisciplinary connections has been one of the most transformative aspects of my graduate experience. But of course, interdisciplinary work is not without its challenges. Different disciplines often have distinct vocabularies, methodologies, and assumptions. At times, it can be difficult to navigate these differences, but embrace the productive tensions of these interactions and you run the risk of strengthening your scholarship.