Methodology of Transdisciplinary Research

Academic unit or major

Graduate major in Global Engineering for Development, Environment and Society

Instructor(s)

Kayoko Nohara / Giorgio Salani

Class Format

Lecture/Exercise (Face-to-face)

Media-enhanced courses

-

Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

5-6 Tue (S3-206(S323))

Class

-

Course Code

GEG.S414

Number of credits

0.50.50

Course offered

2025

Offered quarter

3Q

Syllabus updated

Sep 2, 2025

Language

English

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

There is increased recognition, within research, education and industry, of the benefits of transdisciplinarity, bringing different expertise together to tackle the complex problems of our time. Skills such as creativity, criticality and imagination are vital to the development of positive futures in social and technological terms. In this short project-based course, students will explore different modes of thinking, connecting science and art, and expand their field of experience in experimentation and communication. The course offers students the chance to experience the Hybrid Innovation programme for industry, an original series of sessions designed for Japanese companies. Students and from different cultural, linguistic and disciplinary backgrounds will join company participants in bespoke lectures from invited experts in various fields and engage in hands-on experimentation and discussion. In the final session students will present their research findings.

Course description and aims

1. Learn key concepts of innovation and creativity in business, including STEAM (integration of Art within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
2. Demonstrate some skills in observation, ideation and communication through creative exercises and project development
3. Employ a transdisciplinary mindset to problem finding and solving
4. Demonstrate observational skills and practice reflection through textual and visual notes
5. Exhibit skills in teamwork, empathy, critical thinking, and resilience in uncertain innovation contexts alongside students and company employees from other fields, cultures and ages
6. Apply innovation strategies and tools in speculative exercises (art and design thinking, speculative design)

Student learning outcomes

実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)

Prof. Kayoko Nohara is a linguist specialising in intersemiotic translation and transdisciplinary education. Dr Giorgio Salani is a researcher in Design and Sustainability with a background in engineering consultancy. Together they lead the STADHI transdisciplinary research platform and Hybrid Innovation programme at Science Tokyo.

Keywords

Transdisciplinary, STEAM, Art and Science, cross-cultural, creative thinking, criticality, experimental systems, society, industry collaboration, art thinking, design thinking

Competencies

• Specialist skills
• Intercultural skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Practical and/or problem-solving skills
• Inquisitive thinking and/or problem-finding skills　＋　practical and/or problem-solving skills in particular

Class flow

All classes will be taught in person on campus (5-6 Period, 13:30-15:10). For classes 2, 4 and 6, students will join the activities of the Hybrid Innovation programme alongside company employees. Classes 1, 3, 5 and 7 will be with students only and will offer lectures and discussion with instructors. Classes will combine short presentations and small-scale exercises to develop skills and understanding of transdisciplinary ways of working. Each class will review progress so far and build on previous knowledge. The class is in an active-learning style focusing on participation of all members.

Course schedule/Objectives

Study advice (preparation and review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class. They should do so by referring to course material.

Textbook(s)

ー

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Presentation material will be made available for student’s reference. Online resources (key art/science or STEAM resources) will be provided during sessions.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Active participation in group activities according to role (40%), discussion and presentation in the last class (30%), a short reflective evaluative report (30%)

Related courses

• TSE.C317 ： Methodology of Transdisciplinary Research:theory and practice
• ENT.G354(LAW.X314) ： Editorial Designing in the Media

Prerequisites

Ability to communicate and discuss in English.

Other

Classroom 408B South 6 Building, Ookayama Campus. Dates: 14, 21, 28 October, 4, 11,18, 25 November. 5/6Slot: 13:30-15:10.
More details will be shared on T2SHOLA