This syllabus is a rough sketch of our semester, particularly when papers are due, so that you may plan your time accordingly. Readings are referenced by authors' names. It is subject to change based on the needs of the class. Reading and essay assignments are noted here.
- Homework is due at the next class meeting, unless otherwise noted.
| SES # | TOPICS | KEY DATES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introductions Course Overview |
Homework 1 out |
| 2 | Creativity: Motivation and Inspiration Writing: Voice and Sensibility |
Homework 1 due Homework 2 out |
| 3 | Creativity: Circumstances in which Creativity Flourishes (or doesn't) Writing: Elements of the Essay-theme vs. Idea; Introductions and Conclusions; Description and Imagery; Characters Background on Psychoanalysis Introduce Dancemaker |
Homework 2 due Homework 3 out |
| 4 | Video Dancemaker (Paul Taylor) Creating as a Social Act; Creating as a Physical Act; Fear, Joy, and Suffering as part of Creative Process |
Homework 3 due Homework 4 out |
| 5 | Discuss Dancemaker Discuss Hawthorne and Jung: The Romantic Vision of the Artist Play with Ideas for Essay I |
Homework 4 due Homework 5 out |
| 6 | Workshop Essay I in Pairs | Homework 5 due Homework 6 out |
| 7 | Creativity: The Creative Temperament - Does it Exist? Imagination and Knowledge Writing Clinic: Introductions Introduce Essay II |
Homework 6 due Homework 7 out |
| 8 | Video Maya Lin Vision; Conflict; Persistence; Courage |
Homework 7 due Homework 8 out |
| 9 | Library Visit: Focusing Research; Using Electronic Resources; Using the Libraries at MIT | Homework 8 due Homework 9 out |
| 10 | Creativity: The Psychoanalytic Approach; Existentialism Discuss Rollo May and Maya Lin Writing: Theories and Definitions |
Homework 9 due Homework 10 out |
| 11 | Creativity: Discuss Hirschberg: Creativity in Organizations Close Reading: Texts and Movies Share Journals |
Homework 10 due Homework 11 out |
| 12 | Share Précis and Refine them Free-write on Movie |
Homework 11 due Homework 12 out |
| 13 | Small Group Work on Research Whole Class: Research Problems and Questions Using Sources Responsibly |
Homework 12 due Homework 13 out |
| 14 | Workshop Essay II in Small Groups Set up Conferences on Essay II |
Homework 13 due Homework 14 out |
| 15 | Workshop Essay II as a Class (3 Essays) | Homework 14 due Homework 15 out |
| 16 | Writing Clinic: Thesis; Integrating Quotations Introduce Essay III Share Journals |
Homework 15 due Homework 16 out |
| 17 | Creativity: How it Happens Discuss Koestler and Boden |
Homework 16 due Homework 17 out |
| 18 | Work with Proposals and Refine Them Writing Clinic: Transitions; Sentences |
Homework 17 due Homework 18 out |
| 19 | Workshop Essay III in Small Groups | Homework 18 due Homework 19 out |
| 20 | Workshop Essay III Whole Class (3 Essays) | Homework 19 due Homework 20 out |
| 21 | Conferences as Needed | Homework 20 due Homework 21 out |
| 22 | Video: Rediscovering Dave Brubeck | Homework 21 due Homework 22 out |
| 23 | Oral Presentations | Homework 22 due Homework 23 out |
| 24 | Oral Presentations (cont.) | Homework 23 due Homework 24 out |
| 25 | Oral Presentations (cont.) Evaluations |
Homework 24 due Homework 25 out |