Creativity and Innovation

Catalog description

What is creativity, and how do we measure, study, and enhance it? This course will survey the modern theories of creativity from a psychological perspective, with an emphasis on the processes that underlie creative thinking and the variables that influence creative idea generation. Specific topics will include: convergent and divergent thinking, the role of the unconscious in creative ideation, flow and mindfulness, individual and group creativity, techniques such as brainstorming and creative problem solving, the neuroscience of creativity, the role of motivation, and creativity and innovation in organizations. Discussions of theoretical findings will be complemented by in-class activities and assignments that highlight applications to day-to-day living and to larger-scale challenges that require creativity and innovation.