Creativity

Introduction
In the concluding chapter of Explaining Creativity, author Keith Sawyer describes “changes in global society that are changing the nature of creativity.” Creativity research also continues to change since the time he wrote these words for publication in 2012. Imagine the future of creativity as you explore some of the latest examples of creative problem solving in the creative domains we have studied.
Discussion Questions
Prepare for your discussion by reviewing the required readings and videos described in each discussion topic. This activity aligns with module outcome 1.
Respond to one of the following questions.

1. Think of ways that people actively involved in the creative domains described in Chapters 16-20 of Explaining Creativity are working toward solving long standing problems. One example is the Aperture magazine issue entitled “Vision and Justice,” edited by Sarah Lewis, describing the ways photographers are working to cultivate an important visual landscape for African Americans. Select one domain and then compare/contrast two examples of visual artists, composers, writers, actors, business people, or scientists who are using collaborative creative problem solving techniques to offer solutions to long standing problems. What future projects do they have in mind?
2. After watching the TED talk by Navi Radjou, explore and evaluate two examples of the global practice of frugal innovation that solve a long-standing problem. What aspects of frugal innovation are included in your term project and why are they valuable? How might you employ some of the techniques of frugal innovation for future creative problem solving?
3. Review the list of topics deserving future research on pages 430 to 431 in Explaining Creativity. Choose one area of research. In the years since the text was published in 2012, what developments do you discover in this area of research? Where do you see this research moving forward beyond the present day? How might this research have an impact across cultures?
4. In an age of mash-ups and self-publishing, should we do away with criteria and selection in the arts? What would happen if we no longer had art galleries, museums and professional orchestras or opera companies? If these institutions are maintained, how do you think they should function in the future? What differences in future function might you see between the United States and Europe or the United States and Africa?

Module 8: Learning & Assessment Activities
During this module you will:
Read:
• Required
o Explaining Creativity (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. Part 5: Everyday Creativity, pages 427-433
 Chapter 23. Conclusion: The Future of Creativity
You will have read one of these chapters in Part 4: “Creativity in the Domains” during Module 6. Read the remaining chapters that you did not read during Module 6.
• Chapter 16. Visual Arts
• Chapter 17. Writing
• Chapter 18. Music
• Chapter 19. Theater
• Chapter 20. Science
View:
• Required
o (2015). TED Talk: Navi Radjou: Creative problem-solving in the face of extreme limits (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. [Video file, 16:25 minutes]. Transcript available.
 Navi Radjou has spent years studying “jugaad,” also known as frugal innovation. Pioneered by entrepreneurs in emerging markets who figured out how to get spectacular value from limited resources, the practice has now caught on globally. Peppering his talk with a wealth of examples of human ingenuity at work, Radjou also shares three principles for how we can all do more with less.
o City University of New York (CUNY). (August 31, 2016). Black America: Vision and Justice with Sarah Lewis (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. [Video file, 28:00 minutes]. Closed captions and transcript available.
 In the first half of the video, Dr. Lewis speaks about her work as guest editor of Aperture magazine for an issue entitled Vision and Justice as a part of Black America, an in-depth conversation that explores what it means to be Black in America, hosted by Carol Jenkins. Lewis details how photographers like Dowoud Bey are working to cultivate an important visual landscape for black America, and how black leaders like Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King left a powerful stamp on the black community through their voice, their work, and the photos they appeared in.