WRIT 1200 - The Creative Process

Goals: Students will explore the myriad ways that writers, along with makers in other fields, generate ideas, develop an individual process, create, re-envision, and innovate. They will read about, consider, and discuss creativity theories and models across disciplines; demonstrate understanding, and critically reflect, upon the diverse contexts from which writers write, and readers read; experiment with approaches to the creative process through journal exercises; and use this knowledge to reflect upon their own process while creating.

Content: Students will read and discuss theories and models for the workings of the creative process across disciplines, looking for patterns, common practices, and collective wisdom. They will meet, or otherwise hear and see through a variety of media, a diverse set of makers with different perspectives and experiences, and through those artists’ testimonies, reach a greater understanding of who makes art, how, and why. Through a variety of short assignments and discussions, students will critically reflect on the histories and identities writers and readers both bring to the page. Students will also complete a creative final project, including a short artist statement reflecting on the processes they used in its making.

This course is open to all students who are curious about becoming more creative people; it has no prerequisites. Students should note, however, that while this course focuses on the workings of creativity and writing, it is not a writing course. If you are interested in doing creative writing, consider enrolling in WRIT 1500 - Introduction to Creative Writing.

Credits: 4