Students

ECH 454 – Creativity and the Arts

2017 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Clare Britt
Contact via iLearn dialogue
X5B290 office (through the visual arts room)
Monday-Wednesday
Lecturer
Jenny Nicholls
Contact via iLearn private dialogue
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(48cp at 100 level or above) or admission to GDipAdvStEc
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Students will explore creativity and its role in the arts for both adults and children. Exploration of theory and research which relate to definitions of creativity and imagination is integral to this unit. Cognitive, affective and imaginative aspects of creativity will be explored through diverse forms of art. Students also explore their own creativity through practical experiences in a variety of art form areas and through independent work towards an original major creative project.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of creativity.
  • Develop understanding of ways in which the creative arts are used in education, to explore, create and communicate about the world.
  • Engage in discourse about creativity in contemporary contexts.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

General Assessment Information

 

Summary of assessment: Online reflections on lectures and readings, a creative process journal, a major creative work. 

Assessment rationale:  Assessment provides opportunities for students to show evidence of their understanding of theories of creativity, explore their own creativity and apply this to children’s learning.

Please note: You are required to submit all assignments. Failure to do so will result in a fail grade for the unit.

General assessment requirements

  • All assignments must be submitted for students to pass the unit.
  • Assignment 1 (reflective journal) will be submitted via iLearn.
  • Assignment 2a (creative process journal) will be shown in progress during workshops (internal) and on-campus (external), as well as being handed in by post or delivery.
  • Assignment 2b (major work) may be posted or delivered. This may involve making special arrangements with the unit convener, depending on the size and fragility of the work.
  • All failing assignments will be double marked where failure relates to unsatisfactory content

Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ at https://ask.mq.edu.au as a "Disruption to Studies" request before the submission date. Students who experience a disruption to their studies through ill-health or misadventure are able to apply for this request. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Disruption to Studies policy and are submitted via ask.mq.edu.au. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.

In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, and currently available at:

https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration/disruption-to-studies

Late submissions without extension will receive a penalty of 5% reduction of the total possible mark for each day late (including weekends and public holidays). You are reminded that submitting even just 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed.

No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set. 

Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date.

Disruption to Studies

The following link takes you to the Disruption to Studies policy, which makes clear the ways in which you can apply for special consideration in times of difficulty.

http://students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/exams/disruption_to_studies/

 

Criteria for awarding grades in the unit

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.

 

Grade

Descriptor

HD

(High Distinction)

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline.

D

(Distinction)

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.

Cr

(Credit)

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.

P

(Pass).

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes

F

(Fail)

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.

 

NOTE: Numerical marks will NOT be awarded for individual assessment tasks.

In this unit, all tasks will be reported by GRADES.

Marks are only shown for your final reported grade for this Unit.

 

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Reflective Journal 40% No from end week 1
Creative journal 20% No ongoing to 15th November
Major Creative Work 40% No 15th November

Reflective Journal

Due: from end week 1
Weighting: 40%

Starting in week 1 of the semester you are expected to submit 4 postings related to specified lectures and unit readings. These are located in the relevant weekly sections of the iLearn site, under the heading Assessment.  The due dates are shown on iLearn. Each posting is due by Sunday evening of the week AFTER the readings are done, so that you have the weekend available to finalise the week’s task.

There will be questions or focus topics set out each week, based on the week’s content and on individual investigations and experiences.

Assessment criteria

  • All postings are completed on time
  • Entries show critical reflection on readings and explorations
  • Entries show engagement with the ideas from the lectures
  • Written expression is clear and grammatically correct
  • Referencing is done in correct APA style

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of creativity.
  • Develop understanding of ways in which the creative arts are used in education, to explore, create and communicate about the world.
  • Engage in discourse about creativity in contemporary contexts.

Creative journal

Due: ongoing to 15th November
Weighting: 20%

For this unit, you will need to keep a Creative Journal (or Process Diary). You might like to purchase a sketchbook specifically for this purpose (depending on your personal preferences, this might be A3, A4 or A5 sized), or, if you prefer, you might like to have a folder or a digital document that you add to over the semester.

In your creative journal, as well as describing and analysing the creative processes of your chosen major creative work (and related explorations of techniques, subject matter, influences of other artists etc), you should also include photographs, jottings, sketches and notes that make visible your creative processes. 

There is no set format for the journal, as it is part of your own creative exploration and documentation of a creative journal. 

For the written components of your creative journal, you are required to write at least 4 entries, at least 200 words each, documenting the progress of your major work.  The written entries should also be included in your hard copy journal, so that this represents full documentation of your process and journey about the making of your major work.  

CREATIVE JOURNALS SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO WORKSHOPS FOR INTERNAL STUDENTS, AND ON-CAMPUS SESSIONS FOR EXTERNAL STUDENTS

Assessment criteria

  • Evidence of development of creative thought over time.
  • Evidence of experimentation/exploration/refinement of ideas.
  • Evidence of reflection on relevant socio-cultural and developmental knowledge.
  • Reference to readings on young children’s engagement with creative arts.
  • Reference to readings on the media and techniques for your chosen art form
  • Evidence of understanding of children’s engagement with selected art form.
  • Clear and grammatically correct written expression.
  • Correct APA referencing.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of creativity.
  • Develop understanding of ways in which the creative arts are used in education, to explore, create and communicate about the world.
  • Engage in discourse about creativity in contemporary contexts.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

Major Creative Work

Due: 15th November
Weighting: 40%

You are required create an original artwork suitable for sharing with young children and with potential to enhance their creative engagement with the arts. Your creative product is not to be specifically designed as a teaching aid. However it could of course be used in a classroom as part of a curriculum, just as books, music or visual art works are used.

You must specify a target age group between birth and 12 years and justify your choice (in your journal).

Projects may include:

·      an artwork e.g. painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, fabric art

·      a picture book or poetry anthology

·      music or songs,  dance

·      drama (individual or group performance, puppetry including making of puppets)

·      digital media

 

Marking criteria (Major Creative Work):                       

  • The art work shows originality

  • The art work shows the artist’s creative thinking and problem-solving

  • The artwork effectively communicates ideas through selected media and techniques

  • The art work is appropriate for chosen age group

  • The art work has potential to inspired children’s creative engagement

  • The art work is of high aesthetic quality and presentation

  • The art work is appropriately durable and safe for sharing with children

NOTE: While the above criteria relate to the artwork, journal entries will be assessed concurrently, so that all criteria can be fully explored by markers.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of creativity.
  • Develop understanding of ways in which the creative arts are used in education, to explore, create and communicate about the world.
  • Engage in discourse about creativity in contemporary contexts.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

Delivery and Resources

This unit is offered in internal and external mode

Attendance at lectures, workshops and/or 2 on campus days,is a compulsory requirement of this unit. 

Internal students will attend a 1-hour lecture and 2-hour tutorial classes every week on the university campus. Timetable / location details for these tutorials can be found on the University website at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/ 

External students enrolled in this unit will attend two on campus sessions, scheduled for 22 and 23 September. If you foresee problems in attending the sessions, please let the Unit Coordinator know as soon as possible. Non-attendance can lead to exclusion from the Unit, so it is essential that you discuss difficulties or concerns with the Unit Coordinator. All lectures are digitally recorded and video captured live and available through the ECHO360 facility for you to listen to weekly. In some cases, lecture slides will also be posted on the unit website. 

All readings are available on eReserve. 

The full list of readings for ECH454 is available on iLearn.

Unit Schedule

ECH454 Weekly Planner 2017

 

Date/Week

Lecturer / Tutor

Topic

Assessment

Online

Recorded Lecture by Clare Britt

Introduction to ECH454

 

Week1

31 July

Lecture & Workshop

with Clare Britt

What is Creativity?

Reflective Journal 1

Due before midnight, Sunday 6th August

Week 2

7 August

Lecture & Workshop

with Michele Morcos

Creativity and the art of play

Reflective Journal 2

Due before midnight, Sunday 13th August

Week 3

14 August

Lecture & Workshop

with Clare Britt

The Language of  Story and Illustration

Reflective Journal 3

Due before midnight, Sunday 20th  August

Week 4

21 August

Lecture & Workshop

with Jane Gillings

Sculpture – Creativity in reusing, re-purposing, recycling

 

Week 5-7

No Class, ECHP424 Prac

Mid Semester Break

 

On-Campus Days Friday 22nd  and Saturday 23rd September

Week 8

2 October (Public Holiday)

 Online Tasks

Creativity in theory and practice

Reflective Journal 4

Due before midnight, Sunday 9th October

Week 9

9 October

Lecture & Workshop

with Fran Grant

Creativity in the Classroom

 

Week 10

16 October

Lecture & Workshop

With Janet Robertson

Creative Rhythms: children playing with sound in the outdoors

 

Week 11

23 October

Lecture & Workshop

With Jenny Nicholls

Creativity and Drama

 

Week 12 & 13

30 Oct & 6 Nov

Workshops

with Clare Britt

Major Work Sessions

 

15 November

Major work and Creative Journal Due by 5pm Wed 15th Nov  (install between Monday 13th and Wed 15th in the Art Room)

20 November

11am-1pm

Major Works Exhibition Opening

   

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of creativity.
  • Develop understanding of ways in which the creative arts are used in education, to explore, create and communicate about the world.
  • Engage in discourse about creativity in contemporary contexts.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

Assessment tasks

  • Creative journal
  • Major Creative Work

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of creativity.
  • Develop understanding of ways in which the creative arts are used in education, to explore, create and communicate about the world.
  • Engage in discourse about creativity in contemporary contexts.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

Assessment tasks

  • Reflective Journal
  • Creative journal
  • Major Creative Work

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of creativity.
  • Engage in discourse about creativity in contemporary contexts.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

Assessment tasks

  • Creative journal
  • Major Creative Work

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of creativity.
  • Develop understanding of ways in which the creative arts are used in education, to explore, create and communicate about the world.
  • Engage in discourse about creativity in contemporary contexts.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

Assessment tasks

  • Reflective Journal
  • Creative journal
  • Major Creative Work

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of creativity.
  • Engage in discourse about creativity in contemporary contexts.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

Assessment tasks

  • Reflective Journal
  • Creative journal
  • Major Creative Work

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of creativity.
  • Develop understanding of ways in which the creative arts are used in education, to explore, create and communicate about the world.
  • Engage in discourse about creativity in contemporary contexts.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

Assessment tasks

  • Reflective Journal
  • Creative journal
  • Major Creative Work

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of creativity.
  • Develop understanding of ways in which the creative arts are used in education, to explore, create and communicate about the world.
  • Engage in discourse about creativity in contemporary contexts.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

Assessment tasks

  • Reflective Journal
  • Creative journal
  • Major Creative Work

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop understanding of ways in which the creative arts are used in education, to explore, create and communicate about the world.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

Assessment task

  • Creative journal

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop understanding of ways in which the creative arts are used in education, to explore, create and communicate about the world.
  • Explore the creative process by engaging in art-making and art appreciation experiences.
  • Apply knowledge of the skills, techniques and conventions of the arts by creating an original art work which can relate to teaching in primary school and/or ECEC settings.

Assessment task

  • Major Creative Work