Module: CCO4003-20 Ideation and Creative Problem Solving

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Ron Herrema

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.herrema@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Although we are well used to hearing the term in everyday and professional contexts, just what do we mean by 'creativity'? As Kaufman and Sternberg note in The Cambridge Handbook of Creativity, it can refer to a person, process, place, or product. It can be found in geniuses and in small children. It has been studied by psychologists, educators, neuroscientists, historians, sociologists, economists, engineers and scholars of all types. However, after more than six decades of intensive research there are still debates on how to measure, utilise, and improve it.

This module explores the nature of creativity. It aims to develop your ability to solve problems imaginatively by introducing a range of strategies for promoting creative thinking. Strategies are encountered via mini-projects and challenges that are completed in collaboration, and vary in terms of the mediums and resources you work with.

2. Outline syllabus:

Topics covered in Ideation and Creative Problem Solving include:

What is creativity?

Ideation in the creative industries

Making something ‘rubbish’

Creativity and the subconscious

Lateral thinking

Constraints

Parallel thinking

‘Serious’ play

Randomness

Creativity and algorithms

Making something ‘complicated’

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Class Hours

Workshops discuss key theories of creative thinking and reveal strategies for enhancing, capturing and presenting creative solutions. Topics are then explored practically via a diverse range of challenges that are confronted in small teams. Challenges are announced on the day, and are each designed to expose a tried and tested method of overcoming creative blocks or reaching imaginative solutions in collaboration.

Independent Learning

You should extend your understanding of the theories introduced in class through independent study. This work, which includes reading and online research, helps you generate context for your reports and ideas for proceeding workshops.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Research Journal (2800 words).

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Live Challenge

• % Weighting: 30%