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IBDP: Extended Essay

Resources to support students as they plan, write, edit, and revise their Extended Essays

What is an Interdisciplinary Pathway?

An interdisciplinary EE blends two IB subjects to explore a single research question. Instead of using just one subject's concepts, theories, perspectives, methods, and ideas, you combine them to create a deeper, more original analysis that wouldn't be possible by studying just one subject alone. 

 

Key Points to Remember:

On Integration: You don't need to have it all figured out from the start. Integration develops as you write. Begin by applying methods from both subjects to your question, and your combined argument will emerge through the process.

On Balance: The two subjects don't need to be used equally. The balance should fit your topic and research question, but you must clearly show how using both subjects was essential to your findings.

On Rigour: Your essay must show a solid understanding of both subjects.

Strong Recommendation: You should be formally studying at least one of the two subjects you choose.

Supervisor's Role: Check in regularly with your supervisor to ensure your research is thorough and meets the standards for both disciplines.

NOTE: Do not consider ESS or Literature and Performance for the Interdisciplinary pathway. They can be chosen in the subject-focused pathway. If you are interested in combining Theatre and Literature, choose Literature and Performance in the subject-focused pathway. If you are interested in a topic that combines Geography and Biology, depending on the nature of your topic, consider choosing ESS in the subject-focused pathway.

Writing an Interdisciplinary EE

Writing an Interdisciplinary EE

There are two components, and you may choose these in the order that makes the most sense to you.

  • You might first choose TWO of your DP Courses/subject areas
    • Choose from the courses you are currently taking
    • Be familiar with the Interdisciplinary Guide for those topics, the command terms, research, and structural conventions of those subjects
    • NOTE: You may not choose ESS or Literature and Performance as a subject because they are already considered a blend of two subjects
  • OR, you might first choose ONE area of the "flower" Framework below

Either way, your EE will combine TWO subjects and ONE framework area into a narrow topic and eventually a focused research question: 2 Subjects + 1 Framework area  -->> One topic -->> One RQ

The five frameworks in the figure above are designed to help you develop an interdisciplinary EE topic from your personal interests. They provide a useful starting point for your research.

Please note:

  • Frameworks can overlap; your topic may fit one best but share aspects of another.

  • Your topic does not need to address every word in a framework's title.

  • The same topic could fit a different framework, depending on your research question's emphasis.

While you must officially register your essay under one framework for IB, this choice is for administrative purposes and is not directly graded. Its primary purpose is to guide your initial inquiry.

The possibilities for your interdisciplinary essay are endless. To get you started, here are a few ideas for each framework.

Power, equality, justice

  • Social or political issues—health, education, racism, gender, poverty, fairness, conflict;
  • the body—commodified bodies, violent bodies, bodies as weapons of war.

Culture, identity, expression

  • Belief systems; politics of identity; political movements; disputed territories; sporting and other competitions; art and science; music; protests; icons; cultural heritage; the body—modifications; literature and science; psycholinguistics; gaming.

Movement, time, space

  • Migration; refugees; virtual communities; astronomy; travel; urbanism; social media; contested spaces; non-places or non-spaces; conflict; globalization; museums; questions of evolution.

Evidence, measurement, innovation

  • Art and science; literature and science; cross-scientific inquiry; mathematics in science; gaming; social media.

Sustainability, development, change

  • Sustainability—environmental, social, economic; development—economic, social; food; health; political issues; poverty.

(Written with material from Sarah Ducharme at OIS)

Finalizing the Topic

Once you are engaged by an idea, examine your thinking to choose a specific topic. You will probably do some preliminary reading around your topic area to explore what's possible.

Consider:

  • What aspect or issue within the broad topic really interests you?
  • Why will an interdisciplinary approach work for your interests?
  • Which part of the framework suits your topic?
  • Which TWO DP subjects can you use to investigate your topics successfully within that framework?

Finalizing the Topic, Example 1:

Example 2:

Example 3:

See more examples on page 24 of the EE Guide.

(Written with material from Sarah Ducharme at OIS)

Research Questions

The Research Question (RQ) should...

  • invite a critical examination of the topic by integrating knowledge, concepts, theories, perspectives, and/or methods from two DP subjects
  • encourage analysis, evaluation, and synthesis - not description, unsupported generalizations, and value judgements
  • be clearly stated and focused
  • be open to change if your research takes you in a different direction

Interdisciplinary Research Question Examples

See more ideas beginning on page 30 of the EE Guide

The Interdisciplinary EE uses the same rubric as the Subject-Specific EE

Review the general assessment criteria in the  Assessment Tab first.

Then review the descriptors below, specific to the INTERDISCIPLINARY EE, to see what to focus on.

Five Criterion: Full marks = 30 points

  • A: Framework (6 marks)
  • B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
  • C: Analysis & Argument (6 marks)
  • D: Discussion & Evaluation (8 marks)
  • E: Reflection (4 marks) see Reflection tab

Criterion A: Framework for the Essay

  • Your Research Question reflects your interdisciplinary approach. You should explain and justify your use of this approach
  • It should be clear to the reader that you have drawn on the research methods that are common for the two subject areas you are integrating
  • Apply any structural conventions that are common for the subjects you are using, when relevant

Criterion B: Knowledge & Understanding

  • Use relevant and subject-specific terminology and concepts to show a strong understanding of both subjects
  • The balance of knowledge and understanding of both subjects does not need to be even - it can be, or you can have a stronger understanding of one subject more than the other. This is determined by your Research Question. If one subject will have a stronger emphasis, that should be clear in the RQ.

Criterion C: Analysis & Line of Argument

  • Your findings from your analysis should reflect a combination of the two subjects you are using.
  • Your line of argument should give the reader a sense of the development of the perspectives and flow of integration of the two subjects

Criterion D: Discussion & Evaluation

  • The purpose of the discussion is to show how you have integrated the concepts, understandings, and (when relevant) theories of the two subjects in relation to your research question.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of your essay by giving an appraisal of the interdisciplinary approach

Criterion E: Reflection

  • One of the transferable skills learned will surely relate to your ability to apply an interdisciplinary approach to research