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Unit outline_

OLET2701: Understanding Creativity

Semester 1a, 2021 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Understanding Creativity is geared towards those actively seeking to learn new creative skills or assess and improve creative approaches to their life and work challenges. The course offers experience in the range of creativity you can develop - from everyday creative thinking and actions to deep creative practice using skills and discipline expertise. We begin by stepping through the creative process in workshop style learning sessions called creativegrounds. In these workshops you are guided towards choosing the right tools to design, construct, compose or produce creative outcomes for professional, personal or social interests. Together, your creative capacity will develop through a series of exercises designed to expand your comfort zone, not take you out of it. We will conclude by a group survey of project results.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points 2
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jane Gavan, jane.gavan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Jane Gavan, jane.gavan@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Out of thin air (Creative Project Proposal)
Individual written and images
20% Week 02
Due date: 11 Mar 2021 at 11:59
200-400 words + 3-5 digital images
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Presentation Work in progress -individual presentation of proposal ideas
Participation, presentation and peer review of individual proposals
20% Week 03
Due date: 15 Mar 2021 at 09:00

Closing date: 17 Feb 2021
In-class small group workshops
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation Out Of Thin Air (Creative Project)
Creative Work + short reflection + documentation uploa on canvas
60% Week 04
Due date: 22 Mar 2021 at 09:00

Closing date: 26 Mar 2021
3 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Each of the three UC assessments are connected

and designed to build your skills cumulatively, as you work towards the final major assessment.

  1. Out of thin air (Creative Project Proposal) is an online assessment
  2. 'Work in progress' presentation of proposal ideas are in-class workshops with small groups 
  3. Out Of Thin Air (Creative Project) is an in-class presentation of your project 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

We will be guiding you through each assessment from Week 1 with in class advice and lots of class discussion.

 

Assessment criteria

OLET2701 Grade Descriptors

 

High Distinction (85%+): An Outstanding Level of Achievement. Displays innovative and imaginative thinking. Project work demonstrates initiative and ingenuity in research and production, confident and proficient application of creative concept, materials relevant to the project and critical skills throughout, and makes an insightful contribution to the student’s or discipline area or other knowledge domain. High level of ability to set demanding and achievable objectives, meets those objectives in challenging and exciting ways with a high degree of success. Demonstrates a broad and in-depth knowledge of current issues and practices as well as the ability to apply theoretical understandings and relate ideas and project work to a broader context. Exhibits independence in thinking and motivation as well as a high degree of sophistication in critical analysis and self-evaluation.

 

Distinction (75-84%): An Excellent Level of Achievement.  Project work demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness in research and production, competent application of creative concept, materials relevant to the project and critical skills throughout, receptive to critical feedback and a willingness to explore new ideas. Displays a high level of commitment to work, ability to set demanding and achievable objectives and meet those objectives with a high degree of success and originality. Demonstrates a broad awareness of current issues and practices and the ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations. Independently motivated, resolves problems with informed critical judgment.

 

High Credit (70-74%): Highly Competent Work. Project work displays evidence of initiative in research and production, competent application of creative concept and materials relevant to the project and critical skills in most areas, receptive to critical feedback and a willingness to explore new ideas. Exhibits a commitment to work, the ability to set clear and achievable objectives, and meets those objectives with some degree of success and originality. Demonstrates awareness and understanding of key concepts and practices and the ability to relate and contextualize ideas. Approaches problems with innovation and insight.

 

Low Credit (65-69%): Competent Work. Project work displays some evidence of initiative in research and production, a general competency in the fundamental application of creative concept and materials relevant to the project and skills in most areas, receptive to critical feedback and a willingness to go beyond mere replication of content knowledge to show extended understanding of key ideas. Exhibits a commitment to work, the ability to set reasonably clear and achievable objectives with a moderate degree of success and originality. Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of certain key concepts and practices and a genuine attempt to engage critically and creatively with the project. Some evidence of independent self-assessment.

 

High Pass (60-64%): Work has considerable merit. Project work contains evidence of a broad and reasonably accurate command of creative concepts, material and technical proficiency relevant to the project, responds to critical feedback in fairly direct translation. Exhibits a satisfactory level of commitment, the ability to set reasonable objectives and meet more than basic course requirements with acceptable achievement. Demonstrates an understanding of relevant concepts and practices within a fairly defined context and displays a genuine effort to engage critically and creatively with the project. Some evidence of independent self-assessment.

 

Medium Pass (55-59%): A satisfactory level of achievement. Project work contains evidence of a reasonably accurate command of creative concepts, material and technical proficiency relevant to the project, responds to critical feedback inconsistently and in fairly direct translation. Exhibits an adequate level of commitment, the ability to set reasonable objectives and meet more than basic course requirements with limited achievement. Demonstrates an understanding of relevant concepts and practices within a defined context, attempts to present some conceptual relevance to the project brief. Some evidence of independent self-assessment.

 

Low Pass (50-54%): An acceptable standard. Project work contains evidence of adequate but inconsistent command of creative concepts, material and technical proficiency relevant to the project, occasionally responds to critical feedback and in fairly direct translation. Exhibits a passable level of commitment, the ability to work out objectives and meet the basic requirements of the course. Demonstrates some understanding of relevant concepts with little ability to contextualize ideas and form relevant arguments. Little evidence of independent self-assessment.

 

Fail (Below 50%): Work not of an acceptable standard. Project work displays clear deficiencies in use of creative concepts, material and technical skills relevant to the project, little or no response to critical feedback, a lack of engagement with the course, fails to demonstrate any understanding of conceptual ideas and practices, does not satisfy most or all of the basic course requirements. Deficiencies clearly outweigh accomplishments.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to understanding creativity with some in class creativity exercises Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Creative processes – a series of in-class skill building workshops - experiencing and generating creativity Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Creative reflection - small group activities Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Presentations of final projects Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold. If a unit of study has a participation mark, your attendance may influence this mark.
  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 2 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 40-50 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no prescribed readings for this unit.

 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. evaluate and choose the appropriate creative tools and creative problem solving skills to design your self directed project
  • LO2. apply a range of creative approaches and processes to develop and realise your self-directed project
  • LO3. develop understanding and evaluations of your own creative capacity
  • LO4. understand the value and impacts of multiple discipline perspectives on creative outcomes
  • LO5. generate responses that are situated, adjusting creatively to your environment in time and space.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

_____We had 60 students in the class last time which were divided into three classes; 40% came from arts; 40% from science and health and 20% were various other programs including economics, business etc. In this class we thrive on feedback___so thanks to the students below, here is our summary of how Understanding Creativity went the last time we offered it in 2018. _____‘These 4 weeks have taught me how to explore my creative side while incorporating my commerce skills simultaneously.” “Thank you for a wonderful experience, I learnt a lot in this OLET and I’m really glad I took this unit and experienced the class.” _____ “I had an absolutely lovely time in your class last week and honestly can’t wait till Friday! Hats off to you for organising and running such an amazing workshop. 3 hours flew by so quickly and in just one class I found myself looking at things from a different perspective. I can't wait to see what more is to come and the skills I might acquire…. “______ “I absolutely enjoyed every second of making it so I didn't mind spending the time… The unit was amazing” “I was super inspired by our class last week”,______ “the atmosphere I had so much fun doing these activities, it hardly felt like a subject and more of an interactive workshop instead” ______“Thank you so much for such a great class!! … in fact I had made some unique designs with things like tape which we never thought of using previously.”______“ Thanks a ton for your wonderful feedback….thanks for 4 weeks of amazing creative thinking.” ______“I honestly really enjoyed the unit a lot! it was taught really well, and generated such a friendly and welcoming environment which was easy to make friends.” _____ “I found a sense of calm in being able to step away from my coursework to work on my project and for that I am very grateful.” ______ “I’m very happy and proud with the final result and the process was a really interesting one to work through.” _____“I was happy with my project, but even more so I was absolutely astounded by the standard of work from the other students. As I've mentioned I feel I represent the non-arty-background student in the course quite well, but even without that prior knowledge the immense talent in the group and quality of work was obvious.” ______“Over time I have seen the value in being able to connect with different people, and so I had a lot of fun interacting with such a broad range of individuals during my time studying this unit.” _______”I hope I will be able to take another creative unit similar to this later in my degree” _______“You have definitely opened my eyes into more creative classes and I'm looking into doing more as electives in the near future!”-____We did get some welcome suggestions for improvement – these included to launch the course earlier in the semester, hence the move this year to week 1-4 Semester 1a Block Mode. Another suggestion was to make the course a 6cp Unit – we are thinking about this and would like your feedback this time around!_________ We have a 2020 Education Innovation grant to develop this unit this year, and are very much looking forward to meeting our new cohort of students. Part of the work we plan to do us engage you in developing this learning experience with us. ___We will be running this unit next semester and in 2021-22

This semester the Understanding Creativity Unit offers an online-only and an in-person on-campus unit.

We have optimised this unit for online learning building on the face-to-face exeperience. 

In-class exercises and group discussions are on Zoom, often worked in small groups. 

We aim for you to be as comfortable contributing as often possible.

We start slowly building rapport until everyone is comfortable interacting.

We use student chat and project workgroups in class or on Zoom breakouts and use other collab tools such as Padlet and chat tools.

The Zoom Chat is a spell free zone  – words and phrases are encouraged – as well as full sentences ( ;

Please note movement between modes is not possible, as you are enrolled under specific modes.

Please remember to practice safe covid mindful interaction when in the classroom.

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.