Answer the questions below when reviewing a peer's paper: Below is the peers paper.

• Does the introduction clearly announce the topic and engage the reader's interest? If not, why not? If yes, what is engaging and interesting?
• Is there a clear sense of purpose throughout the writing? Why or why not?
• Is the solution effectively presented? Why or why not?
• Are sources integrated into the proposal? Do they follow APA format? Are they effective? Why or why not?
• Is the graphic effective in supporting the proposal idea? Why or why not?
• How could the author improve the paper? Please offer at least two concrete suggestions.
• Do you consider this paper to be responsive to the assignment? If not, what recommendations do you have for making it meet the requirements?
• Provide additional suggestions or comments.

This research proposal addresses the issue of a lack of arts, writing, and music courses in Business and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) majors.

Rigid course requirements limit students' development. Communication and problem-solving skills are desired in the corporate world, but there is insufficient focus on teaching these skills. Students are then unprepared after they graduate. Arts, writing, and music contribute to open-minded thinking, allowing students to integrate knowledge from different fields of study. Arts, writing, and music courses teach students to communicate and problem-solve effectively.

Research shows that individuals with multidisciplinary studies become renowned scholars and Nobel laureates. This pattern is across all fields of study, not limited to STEM and business. These individuals were known historically as polymaths; in today's modern age, they are known as polymaths. Polymaths

Polymaths are able to problem solve effectively because the world's problems are not specialized. Problems exist in many different fields of study. Fundamentals of subjects appear across disciplines. We must teach students that to effectively problem solve across fields, they need to recognize these fundamentals. Polymathic learning fosters individualistic thinking.

Graduate requirements are already difficult for undergraduate students. Instead of adding more courses, senior capstone classes can be substituted for extra elective credits. One big challenge will be convincing staff to be open-minded about the change. Specialization has become the standard study, and introducing multidisciplinary studies will take an adjustment. Staff will also need to be open-minded to a newer approach of study, especially if they are specialists.

The new curriculum should be implemented within two years. This will give the University adequate time to rewrite graduation requirements, hire new staff, and plan new courses. I recommend focusing on Lyman Briggs College first as a soft implementation since it includes a smaller subsection of STEM majors. If successful, I suggest moving forward with Eli Broad Business College.

We need to set students up for success in their futures. We provide education, but we also need to provide direction. Renaissance persons are rare today; world problems and their solvers are categorized into specialties. With our guidance, we can encourage students to become free thinkers in the modern age.

Arts, Writing, and Music Courses in STEM and Business Majors

The prerequisites for graduation do not emphasize enough arts, writing, and music courses. Thus, students are not learning the essential communication and creative thinking skills that are taught in these classes.

Arts

Art promotes analytical thinking using visual and spatial intelligence. Visual intelligence is using sight to process and interpret data; spatial intelligence is using space to perceive and understand information (Simon et al., 2022). Both promote creativity and thus influence a newer way of thinking. Visual and spatial recognition skills allow students to understand patterns and apply the patterns to unfamiliar situations to produce results. These skills translate into the corporate world as problem-solving skills.

Writing

Many businesses seek employees with skills that degree requirements do not teach. Figure 1 in the Appendix shows that only a third of business major prerequisite credits are focused on arts, sociology, and writing. In most jobs, writing and communication skills are as important as math and analytical skills (Nistorescu, 2012). If a businessperson cannot address their audience with clarity and persuasion, the company potentially loses a deal or a venture. If a CEO cannot communicate effectively with staff members, morale and production is low. Job applications emphasize a need for strong communicators (Krapels & Davis, 2003), but Michigan State University places that need below specific major requirements.

Writing skills are also vital in healthcare. Doctors communicate regularly with nurses, fellow doctors, and, most importantly, their patients. It is critical for doctors to provide information to patients in a way they understand; instead of listing symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments, they need to be able to provide that information clearly and with comfort (Zota et al., 2023). Figure 1 in the Appendix shows that Arts, Sociology, and Writing make up only roughly 25% of the credit hours for Lyman Briggs. These students will be the future doctors who need to explain procedures and prognoses to patients.

Music

Music promotes social intelligence, leading to effective communication and interpersonal skills (Demirtas & stn, 2023). These soft skills are highly sought after in the workplace; businesses are looking for individuals who can work well with others. Doctors need proper bedside manners to treat patients. High social intelligence helps individuals develop healthy relations with their peers; these individuals are comprehensive learners and are open to feedback. Students who have music classes test higher in social skills than students who do not have exposure to music classes (Demirtas, E., & stn, 2023).

Polymaths in Renowned Historical Figures and Nobel Laureates

Multidisciplinary studies have shaped world history. Polymaths can innately understand that many areas of study interconnect throughout history. They acknowledge that subjects all share a foundation (Araki, 2020). They can see patterns from science and math and apply them to arts and literature. Polymaths are more than just generalist learners; they are masters in all areas, open to examining ideas from all views.

Polymaths are naturally curious and seek learning. They have a quest for all knowledge, pursuing answers that help shape the world. Accessing knowledge across all databases allows polymaths to become renowned historical figures and Nobel laureates (Root-Bernstein & Root-Bernstein, 2022). Renowned polymaths have influenced the world in all fields of study.

Scientists

Leonardo da Vinci, the creative mind behind The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper paintings, was one of the most well-known artists throughout history. He was also a pioneer in science, engineering, and medicine. His anatomical model of the human body contributed to both medicine and arts. His early models of the flying machines contributed to aerodynamics and the airplane (Terjesen & Politis, 2015). His observations in science, specifically light and color theory, helped him create masterpieces that changed the world's view of art (Dutta, 2021).

Campbell de Morgan was a scientist and doctor who studied physiology. He researched cancer extensively and discovered the cherry angioma. His research included the regression of cancer signifying potential cures and the localization of cancer starting progressing to lymph nodes. Campbell de Morgan also enjoyed music and pursued musical studies professionally (Grange et al., 2002).

George Washington Carver was a scientist, botanist, and inventor. He studied agriculture at the University of Iowa and applied his knowledge to invent uses for sweet potatoes, soybeans, and peanuts ("Retrospective," 2018). He also was a painter and musician. He developed synthetics and new paint colors for farmers ("Retrospective," 2018). His background in both science and art helped him develop these dyes.

Mathematics

Kenneth Arrow won a Nobel Prize for his influence in economics and social sciences. He was a pioneer in economics and contributed many foundational theories to the field (Root-Bernstein & Root-Bernstein, 2022). His peers also knew him as someone with a wide scope of knowledge. He had interests in art, music, and natural sciences; one infamous story tells how he surprised dinner party guests with specific details about the breeding patterns of grey whales (Weinstein, 2017). His understanding of many subjects allowed him to see patterns in economics from a different viewpoint.

Bertrand Russell was a mathematician. He was driven by curiosity and applied his knowledge to write Principia Mathematica; the book is essential to mathematic studies, using logic as a foundation for mathematics. However, he won a Nobel Prize in Literature for his philosophical writings (Shenker, 1993). His background in mathematics allowed him to study logic and choice and explore analytical philosophy.

Arts

Rabindranath Tagore, known as the Shakespeare of India, won the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was the first non-European to do so. Before becoming a world-renowned poet and novelist, he studied law at the University College London (Chaturvedi, 2021). He invested in the education of India's youth and shaped the politics of India through social reform and accessibility for the average class (Sweeny, 2012). His books and poetry allowed him to connect to the average class to influence politics and shape their social status.

Polymaths and Problem-Solving

Problem-solving across fields is an essential skill for students to learn. Students should be able to think broadly about a problem. Multidisciplinary studies foster creative thinking; patterns appear across different fields of study (Araki, 2020), and potential solutions can be found from the perspective of other subjects.

Instead of focusing on the differences between subjects, students should be encouraged to examine the similarities to find a resolution. For example, the concept of regulation can apply to biology in cells and business in economic systems. A polymath with a general understanding of cellular regulation could apply that knowledge to the stock market (Cohen, 2015). While the specifics in each field are very different, the basis of regulation applies to both; irregularities cause regulation to try to shift the imbalance back to a normal state, whether it be in the cell cycle or a stock market crash.

Most polymaths enjoy pull-type learning, or learning that they directly engage in; many polymaths are also exposed to push-type learning, or learning where they are exposed to problems and innovative thinking is key (Araki & Cotellessa, 2020). Polymaths are flexible, open-minded learners. They can see problems of different complexities from many diverse angles, providing various solutions (Devakumar et al., 2019). Their general knowledge and understanding of foundations allow them to apply information from one field to another.

Multidisciplinary Problems

Multidisciplinary skills are "the combination and involvement of several academic disciplines or professional specializations to a topic" (Terjesen & Politis, 2015, p. 151). Problems can also be multidisciplinary and require many different specialists to resolve. Collaborating between many different specialists can be time-consuming, especially if they can view the problem from only one point of view. Polymaths, with knowledge in many areas, can dissect problems with a general mindset, allotting for more solutions.

Polymaths are essential to adapting to a quickly changing environment in the modern world. Corporations need polymaths to succeed. Market researchers are essential to businesses; they research consumers and competitors and analyze the data statistically. There is a shift from traditional data analysis to customer insight (Diaz Ruiz, 2022). Customer insight relies on behavior analysis to predict trends. In addition to statistics, market researchers will have to learn psychology and philosophy to analyze consumer behavior.

Problems can also manifest in the art world, and solutions can be found in the sciences. The French Museum Research Library is focused on multidisciplinary professions to unearth discoveries in paintings and art history (Dutta, 2021). Science is used as a tool to uncover art history; the right instrumentation must be used to preserve art without damage. Archaeologists and curators work together to preserve the history of fossils; art historians must collaborate with chemists and physicists to care properly for art pieces (Dutta, 2021). The involvement of different scientific and art professions contributes to humanities and history.

Everyday problems are also multidisciplinary. Weather forecasting mostly falls under science, but deeper analysis shows that various areas of expertise are involved. Engineers designed the tools required to forecast; the tools are also modeled using mathematical analysis and evaluated by environmentalists for function and product designers for ergonomics (Dutta, 2021). Verbal and writing skills are also needed to communicate clearly with the everyday audience. Many fields of study cooperate together in the background to improve everyday life.

Individuals with fortitude and flexibility are more likely to adapt to and solve global crises. COVID-19 was a classic example of a VUCA environment, or volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment. Specialists have a routine, performing the same task in the same subject; polymaths work in many different areas, never sticking to one routine (Araki & Cotellessa, 2020). Because of the changing routine, which allows for a constantly different way of functioning, polymaths adapted to COVID-19 better than specialists did. Polymaths are used to being exposed to extreme situations and solving them.

Recommendations

The first step to implementing multidisciplinary studies is to offer the space and curriculum to teach it. Senior capstones are student projects designed to incorporate all their learning; requiring the use of arts, writing, or music can enhance the capstone classes. Alternatively, students can swap senior capstone credit hours for elective courses in these subjects.

The next step is to train current staff members. Most professors have put in years of hard work, research, and additional education to become specialists in their respective fields. There can be friction between tenured specialists and multidisciplinary staff members. In order to promote the curriculum changes effectively, it is important to educate all staff members on the benefits.

These steps can be soft-implemented within two years. The Lyman Briggs College already has courses dedicated to the History, Philosophy, and Sociology of Science (Michigan State University, n.d.); we can start with a beta project and include a small pool of interested students. If successful, the new curriculum can be rolled out to all students within Lyman Briggs College. After four years, I recommend implementing similar changes within the Eli Broad College of Business.