COURSE OVERVIEW

This course is designed to explore the variables that stimulate and inhibit creativity and innovation in individuals, teams, and organizations. The course uses many techniques, including classroom workshops, case studies, team projects, field trips, and expert classroom visitors.

The philosophy of the course is that every problem is an opportunity for a creative solution. With this in mind, students are encouraged to try new approaches to creative problem solving in many different environments. In each class we focus on a different variable related to creativity, such as team dynamics, creativity under pressure, or managing creative individuals. Experts are invited into the classroom to help lead discussions and activities focusing on creativity in different environments.

In addition to classroom activities and readings, each student will become a member of a team. Each team will have the task to identify an organization that they think is particularly innovative. Teams will investigate the organization of their choice, focusing on the factors that make the organization innovative. In the final two classes, each team will present their findings in the most creative way possible. This project allows students to to dive into the creative practices of a specific organization, to practice working in creative teams, to stretch their imaginations, and to learn about a range of creative environments from each other.

This class is highly experiential, requiring each student to come prepared to participate actively. The more each student puts into the course, the more he or she will take away.