Writing : Prompt 2

For this assignment, you will write a 2-3 page paper exploring the role of creativity in a particular domain.

First, pick some field of human endeavor. This is somewhat vague, but we are trying to make it broad on purpose. For example:

  • You could pick a particular academic field of study, like biology, psychology, politics, chemistry, …
  • You could pick some kind of activity such as a sport or hobby.
  • You could pick some kind of profession or job that people do.
  • You could also pick something else that does not fit in any of the categories above, as long as it is a thing that people do.

Ideally, you should pick something you are personally interested in, such as a subject you like to study, a favorite activity or hobby, or a profession that you intend to pursue. In this case you can use your own personal perspective to help you answer the prompt. However, picking something with a personal connection is not a requirement.

Prompt

Reflect on the role that creativity plays in your chosen activity or field of endeavor. For example, you might consider questions such as:

  • What are some ways to be creative while pursing the activity? Which aspects of the activity require creativity and which do not? To what extent is creativity neccessary to engage productively with the activity or its community?
  • What does productive failure in the activity look like, and how does it relate to being creative?
  • What, if anything, makes the activity distinctly human?
  • How is creativity viewed by the community of people who do the activity? How is creativity related (or not) to who has power in the community?

Be sure to connect your reflection to multiple topics or readings/videos discussed in the course.

Due dates

You should have a first draft written by Friday, November 6, when we will have an in-class workshop to give each other feedback on drafts.

Remember to take advantage of the rolling submission policy: you can submit a draft at any time prior to the dealine and get feedback. In any case, your final draft must be turned in by Monday, November 23.

What to turn in

You must submit your document in PDF format. If you are using Word, Pages, or something similar, there is typically an “Export to PDF” option in the File menu. If you are having trouble figuring out how to export your document as a PDF, please ask for help!

You should upload your final draft via this DropBox link.