Theory Extension as an Integration Strategy: A Case Study Using Sociomaterial Theories and “I, Dolours” in an Interdisciplinary Studies Course

Abstract: Applying theories of collective and sociomaterial learning to New Decade’s documentary I, Dolours (Sweeney, 2018), this article examines the formation of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), and explains how such theories can be used to teach theory extension as an interdisciplinary integration strategy in a foundational interdisciplinary studies course. The theories used in this study are communities of practice, cultural-historical activity theory, and actor-network theory. Dissecting these theories based on whether they involve people, nonhuman entities, and/or relations in the system as well as how they rate the importance of each of these categories, the article demonstrates that all of them are beneficial to our understanding of the formation of the IRA. However, actor-network theory is the most inclusive one and can be used to illustrate theory extension as an interdisciplinary integration strategy. The article demonstrates that actor-network theory enables us to examine and reassess historical events, specifically what they mean to different parties involved, and understand how different perceptions of the events shape the coexistence of the entities in the system. Actor-network theory’s emphasis on the rhizomatic relations in the system uncovers multiple loci and channels of collective and sociomaterial learning, helping us detect the avenues for collective transformation, improvement, and healing.