Introductory description

This is an elective module available for WBS and non-WBS students. To find detailed availability and to apply for this module, log in to my.wbs.ac.uk using your normal IT login details and apply via the my.wbs module application system. Once you’ve secured a place on my.wbs you should apply via your home department’s usual process, which usually takes place via eVision. Note that you do not require the module leader’s permission to study a WBS module, so please do not contact them to request it.

This is is an interdisciplinary module available and relevant to all Warwick University Undergraduates in their final year of study. The module examines and illuminates Creativity through collaborative group learning drawing on a range of different domains / disciplines. The overarching aim of the module is to build an interdisciplinary appreciation and understanding of creativity and creative processes, including the relationship between theoretical ideas and concepts and practical applications, and how its value (both personal and professional) can be communicated to an multidisciplinary audience.

Content features: creative contexts inc. people, places, processes, curiosity, motivation, learning from failure, resilience, design thinking.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

An outline of the syllabus includes:

An introduction to Images of Creativity
Creativity (in theory)
Creative Contexts
Fostering Curiosity
Introducing your assessment
Creative Processes
Learning from failure
Design Thinking
Creative Manifesto
Creative Paths

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Express complex and interdisciplinary ideas of ‘Creativity’.
• Recognise the complexity of different disciplinary and practitioner notions of ‘Creativity’.
• Identify and understand how creativity relates to different disciplines/contexts.
• Reflect on their own and others’ experiences as participants in a creative and interdisciplinary learning process.
• Identify trans/ inter disciplinary issues, formulate questions and engage in creative problem-solving, including own independent research.
• Synthesise ideas imaginatively from a range of different disciplinary perspectives.

Indicative reading list

Bateson, P, and Martin,P. (2013) Play, playfulness, creativity and innovation, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Bryan, R and Hämäläinen, M. (2018) The Art of Co-Creation, A Guidebook for Practitioners, London, Palgrave Macmillan.
Carlström, E. (2023) Collaborative Leadership and Innovation: Management, Strategy and Creativity, London, Routledge
Glǎeanu, P, Tanggaard, L and Wegener, C. (Eds), (2023) Creativity – A New Vocabulary
Goller,I and Bessant, J. (2017) Creativity for Innovation Management, London, Routledge.
Hopkins, R. (2019) From what is to what if? Unleashing the power of imagination to create the future we want, London. Chelsea Green Publishing.
Ivcevic, Z, Hoffmann, J.D, & Kaufman, J.C. (Eds.) (2023) Cambridge Handbook of Creativity and Emotions. Cambridge University Press.
Kaufman, J and Sternberg, R. (Eds) (2019) Cambridge Handbook of Creativity, New York, Cambridge University Press.
Shorthose, J. and Maycroft, N. (2017) Where is creativity? A multidisciplinary approach. London: Routledge.
Sternberg, R. and Kaufman, J. (2018) The Nature of Human Creativity, London, Cambridge University Press.

Subject specific skills

Appreciate the value of understanding and experiencing different disciplinary approaches and perspectives on creativity, especially in relation to disciplinary interests.

Leverage a confidence and competence in creative behaviours / processes / practices for future employability, further study, organizational contexts and active citizenship.

Participate in creative activities and support the generation of original ideas and questions.

Transferable skills

Observe and reflect on their own / others’ creative processes.

Communicate effectively / imaginatively with their peers / target audience.

Collaborate with others in a range of learning contexts.