California State University,
Northridge
Psychology 344/444
The Psychology of
Creativity
Examination of the research on creativity and exploration of
the creative process through classroom activities, group projects, and
the use of technology. The course examines the application of creative
processes to effective instruction. [from the 2004-2006 CSUN
Catalog]
Original text for this course: Robert W. Weisberg. 1993. Creativity -
Beyond the Myth of Genius. New York:W.H. Freeman and Company.
312pp.
Current text for this course: Jon Michael Fox and Ronni Lea Fox. 2006.
Exploring the Nature of Creativity Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt
Pub. Co. 192pp.
What is creativity?
Views of various authors.
Creativity can be expressed in many ways, some of which are
non-traditional.
These include very imaginative films like
"The Last Knit" as well as
Extreme Sheepherding with Lights,
a tribute to Post-Its,
bouncy balls,
a food court musical, and even an
American Express commercial!
We have found creative dance by Cico,
Capoeira from
Brazil, insane street soccer, and parcours.
And there are sand drawings by Kseniya
Simonova,
sand animation by Ferenc Cako,
street art,
chalk drawings by Julian Beever,
Etch A Sketch by George Vlosich, spray
paint art by Janez Jevnikar,
the "Free Hugs Campaign" videos (Sydney) (Hollywood) (Devon),
shadow puppets
by Raymond Crowe, and Paintjam by Dan Dunn.
And there
are wonderfully creative music videos by
Lily Allen,
The Janks, and Dancing Walrus - and even creative mixing!
Be sure to check out the Longest Way
video and the crazy cube illusion. [And by the way Where the hell is
Matt?]
And we all just LOVE The Musical Stairs!
But perhaps the most creative things that are happening today
involve the Information Revolution!
Are you ready for Western Spaghetti and
Pancakes for Your Face? How about
street art ?
Students in Psychology of Creativity are eager to share their creativity
with others,
including those with visual- and hearing-impairments.
In the spring of 2006, a group of students created a video that
they would like for you to watch!
Definitions by students.