PBDS 540 - Creative Concepts

PBDS 540

Creative Concepts

NOTE: This is representative of the syllabi for this course. It is not necessarily the syllabus being used in any one semester.

Course Description:

The object of this course will be to familiarize students with the creative process; how it works, and how to harness it. Several techniques for generating ideas, such as brainstorming, mind-mappimg, and pairing will be explored. In addition, various problem-solving techniques, such as addition, subtraction, incongruity, substitution, and coincidence will be tried in order to help students get the most out of their abilities to generate innovative and effective visual and verbal ideas.

Among the subjects to be covered in the course:

What is a "creative concept"?
How does a "concept" differ from a "style"?
When is "style" an appropriate concept?
Why is it important that students learn the techniques needed to develop creative concepts?

Projects:

There will be twelve problems assigned to be done outside class. Some of these projects will require papers to be turned in. All assignments must be turned in when due or they will not receive full credit. If, for any reason, you are unable to attend class, you should make every effort to get a fellow student to bring your assignment to class. If this is impossible, you will be expected to call me as soon as possible to arrange for an alternate date to submit the assignment.

Presentations:

The object of these presentations is to help all the students recognize creative work, analyze what makes them creative and practice making persuasive presentations of proposed creative solutions of their own.

Each week you will be presenting your solutions to the problem assigned the previous week. For the most part, your solutions will be expected to be such that they merely need to be described verbally to your classmates. Some solutions, however, will need to be illustrated by very rough sketches. You will also be expected to bring in and present one or two examples of extraordinary creative concepts you find. Since time will not always permit all these examples to be described in detail, your instructor may select only a few each week to be presented.

You will be receiving a grade for each assignment you turn in. For the most part, your final grade will reflect the level of creativity you have achieved in these assignments. Other factors that will affect your grade will be your attendance, class presentations, participation in class discussions, your ability to follow instructions, the neatness shown in the way you submit assignments and the professional manner that you approach the class and the assignments.

If you do not actively contribute to the class discussions, if the ideas you advance are poorly thought out, uncreative or presented incoherently, your grades will suffer. If they are not presented at all, your grades will suffer most. There will be no written exams or quizzes.

Required supplies:

An 11 x 14 pad of layout paper

Several fine, medium and heavy line black and gray markers

Roll of 1/2" masking tape

Attendance:

Class will begin promptly at 5:30 pm. Students will be responsible for the completion of work missed due to absence or lateness.

Required texts:

"A Smile in the Mind", McAlhone & Stuart

Suggested reading:

Graphis & Print magazines

"Creativity for Graphic Designers" Oldach

"The Courage to Create" May

"A Technique for Producing Ideas" Young




			PBDS 540 Creative Concepts NOTE: This is representative of the syllabi for this course. It is not necessarily the syllabus being used in any one semester. Course Description: The object of this course will be to familiarize students with the creative process; how it works, and how to harness it. Several techniques for generating ideas, such as brainstorming, mind-mappimg, and pairing will be explored. In addition, various problem-solving techniques, such as addition, subtraction, incongruity, substitution, and coincidence will be tried in order to help students get the most out of their abilities to generate innovative and effective visual and verbal ideas. Among the subjects to be covered in the course: What is a "creative concept"? How does a "concept" differ from a "style"? When is "style" an appropriate concept? Why is it important that students learn the techniques needed to develop creative concepts? Projects: There will be twelve problems assigned to be done outside class. Some of these projects will require papers to be turned in. All assignments must be turned in when due or they will not receive full credit. If, for any reason, you are unable to attend class, you should make every effort to get a fellow student to bring your assignment to class. If this is impossible, you will be expected to call me as soon as possible to arrange for an alternate date to submit the assignment. Presentations: The object of these presentations is to help all the students recognize creative work, analyze what makes them creative and practice making persuasive presentations of proposed creative solutions of their own. Each week you will be presenting your solutions to the problem assigned the previous week. For the most part, your solutions will be expected to be such that they merely need to be described verbally to your classmates. Some solutions, however, will need to be illustrated by very rough sketches. You will also be expected to bring in and present one or two examples of extraordinary creative concepts you find. Since time will not always permit all these examples to be described in detail, your instructor may select only a few each week to be presented. You will be receiving a grade for each assignment you turn in. For the most part, your final grade will reflect the level of creativity you have achieved in these assignments. Other factors that will affect your grade will be your attendance, class presentations, participation in class discussions, your ability to follow instructions, the neatness shown in the way you submit assignments and the professional manner that you approach the class and the assignments. If you do not actively contribute to the class discussions, if the ideas you advance are poorly thought out, uncreative or presented incoherently, your grades will suffer. If they are not presented at all, your grades will suffer most. There will be no written exams or quizzes. Required supplies: An 11 x 14 pad of layout paper Several fine, medium and heavy line black and gray markers Roll of 1/2" masking tape Attendance: Class will begin promptly at 5:30 pm. Students will be responsible for the completion of work missed due to absence or lateness. Required texts: "A Smile in the Mind", McAlhone & Stuart Suggested reading: Graphis & Print magazines "Creativity for Graphic Designers" Oldach "The Courage to Create" May "A Technique for Producing Ideas" Young home \| bs, corporate communication \| ba, english \| ma, publications design \| mfa, integrated design \| mfa, creative writing & publishing arts \| people \| portfolio \| facilities \| classes \| undergraduate applications \| graduate applications \| contact \| site index \| university of baltimore