Course Title: Develop and extend critical and creative thinking skills

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2016

Course Code: EMPL5960C

Course Title: Develop and extend critical and creative thinking skills

School: 320T Architecture & Design

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C4322 - Certificate IV in Design

Course Contact: Leigh Milward

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9438

Course Contact Email: leigh.milward@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 40

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

This course is delivered and assessed in conjunction with GRAP5335 Generate design solutions.

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to think in a more creative way. Creative thinking involves looking at things differently, musing, testing, experimenting and challenging existing thought patterns.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBCRT301A Develop and extend critical and creative thinking skills

Element:

1. Develop a questioning mindset

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Develop the habit of asking questions from different perspectives 

1.2. Take responsibility for exploring a variety of information sources to provide relevant answers to own questions 

1.3. Sort through information and ideas to identify the central questions, issues and challenges 

1.4. Challenge preconceptions and assumptions to determine actual constraints in defining a problem for resolution 

Element:

2. Generate ideas and responses

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Explore and use a range of creative thinking techniques to generate ideas and responses 

2.2. Muse on, play around with and have fun with ideas in relation to a perceived objective 

2.3. Identify and challenge blockers to creative thinking 

2.4. Consider and explore realities beyond the current situation 

2.5. Evaluate, and where appropriate, challenge existing boundaries to determine perceived or actual constraints 

2.6. Show willingness to take risks with ideas and thought processes 

2.7. Look around in familiar and unfamiliar places for new inspiration and habitually record observations, experiences, ideas and reflective thoughts to broaden personal knowledge base 

2.8. Acknowledge and accept the opportunity for revelation when least expected 

2.9. Identify connections and associations from things that seem unconnected 

Element:

3. Challenge, test and re invent ideas

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Identify, interrogate and challenge the assumptions behind ideas 

3.2. Experiment with variations, and explore and challenge a range of different solutions and ideas 

3.3. Consciously change perspectives, and evaluate ideas and situations in new ways 

3.4. Where appropriate, involve others in ideas and how they might change or be improved 

Element:

4. Enhance creative thinking skills

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Consciously challenge and question own thought patterns and ways of responding to work and life situations

4.2. Identify and take opportunities to self-assess and to learn about new ideas and different ways of thinking 

4.3. Take opportunities to practise and experiment with creative thinking techniques across work and life situations 

4.4. Pro-actively talk to others about ways that new ideas and patterns of thinking can be encouraged and developed 

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competency in the above elements.


Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place in a studio and computer laboratory using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study.

In class activities will include:

  • demonstrations and presentations by teacher
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • group discussion
  • review and revision
  • peer learning
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • evaluation & critique including feedback & assessment

Out of class activities will include:

  • independent project based work
  • online tutorials and activities
  • independent research
  • site visits
  • social & other networking


Teaching Schedule

 

Session

Week beginning

Session description

Learning Elements

EMPL5960C

Learning Elements

GRAP5335C

1

4 July

Lab orientation

Content management and assessment.

1, 2, 4

1, 4

2

11 July

Course overview, Mind maps

Creating and using mind maps to generate ideas.

1, 2, 4

1, 4

3

18 July

Mind maps continued

Complete digital version of mind map. Use mind map to visualise at least two potential, different design solutions.

1, 2, 3

1, 4

4

25 July

Action verbs

Adopting a questioning mindset to look at a design problem and re-arrange it.

3, 4

1, 2, 4

5

1 August

Mark making

Fill up a page with design visualisations to an assigned problem. Go outside of your usual environment and draw, draw, draw rather than internetting your way out of a problem. Record and reflect this process.

1, 2, 4

1, 4

6

8 August

Forced connections

Use the forced connections creative thinking exercise to come up with unusual ideas. Visualise a shortlist of ideas.

Excursion next week. Meet at ACMI at 1:30pm.

Folio review week. Upload your best piece from this course to your folio.

3

1, 4

7

15 August

Excursion

ACMI: The Nightingale and The Rose (free), Scorsese exhibition ($18–$25. Optional). Visit other creative spaces in the CBD; Fed Square, NGV, bookshops, etc.

3, 4

1, 4

8

22 August

Compass

Compass creative thinking exercise to generate insightful questions.

3, 4

1, 4

9

29 August

Consolidation

Consolidate all documentation for this project. Re-draft and proof text. Improve, re-photograph or rescan images. Extend learning into further research; find a critical or creative thinking technique through research, and apply it to a supplied brief.

4

1, 4

10

5 September

Project 1 free exercise

Either complete and document a critical/creative thinking exercise found through research, or complete any missed exercises covered earlier in the semester.

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 4

11

12 September

Project 1 wrap-up

Complete the folio of work, refining the quality of your images and redrafting any text. Complete a short reflection on this project. Choose your best work from Project 1 to upload to your folio.

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 4

Mid semester break September 19–October 2

12

3 October

Project 2 overview

Read through the brief for Project 2. Extract critical questions. Target your research. Project 1 resubmission for unsatisfactory-standard work – by negotiation only.

Folio review week: Upload Project 1 to folio.

  

1, 4

13

10 October

Secondary research

Get off the internet and look at some books. Then get back on the internet and find other resources. Then collate your research, and summarise it. Use Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats to examine the problem.

  

1, 2, 4

14

17 October

Creative thinking

Use a creative thinking exercise/s to generate original potential design solutions to the brief. Visualise them as sketches. Document this process.

1, 2, 3, 4

2, 3, 4

15

24 October

Present your ideas.

Show your ideas to your peers as a visual presentation. Ask critical questions to generate constructive feedback. Use this feedback to select, modify and adapt one idea to bring to completion.

1, 2, 3, 4

2, 3

16

31 October

Finalise design solutio.

Determine the best idea from a range of possible design solutions for completion to a finished product.

4

3, 5

17

7 November

Project 2 Submission

Complete your design idea to a finished, folio-ready stage. Complete the documentation of Project 2, readying it for submission.

3, 4

3, 5

18

14 November

Folio review week

Students must attend this session to determine whether the work needs to be resubmitted. Respond to feedback and resubmit unsatisfactory-standard assessment to a competent level. By negotiation only.

Folio review week: Upload work to folio.

   

19

21 November

Resubmission

No class due to Open Day university holiday. Respond to feedback and resubmit unsatisfactory-standard assessment to a competent level. By negotiation only.

  

3, 5

20

28 November

Assessment interviews

Interviews are by appointment only. No formal lesson, but the lab will be open.

    

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

Lupton, E 2011. Graphic design thinking : Beyond brainstorming (1st ed.). New York : Baltimore: Princeton Architectural Press ; Maryland Institute College of Art.

9781568989792

Mumaw, S 2014. Creativity Bootcamp, Lynda tutorial, viewed 23 June 2016, .


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment tasks will require you demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills and will include group and individual tasks and group and individual projects.

Assessment tasks are:
Project 1 50%
Project 2 50%

An assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
 


Assessment Tasks

Tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks and you should engage in all formative tasks.

This course has 2 summative Tasks, both of which must be completed/submitted and form the grade for this course. You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.

Project 1: Critical/Creative folio

Complete the class exercises from weeks 2–10. Include all exercises for best potential results, or just your best four, in a folio of critical & creative thinking techniques. The aims are

  • Active participation in a range of creative thinking activities, including ability to ask relevant questions and to generate a range of ideas in response to a given situation or issue
  • Understanding of creativity and creative thinking at a basic level, including its impact and importance for individuals, communities and businesses
  • Knowledge and application of different creative thinking techniques and processes to a range of situations.
  • Development of a design solution through research, reflection and the generation and refinement of ideas
  • Effective collaboration with others in the design process
  • Knowledge of design trends and technologies in the relevant industry context.

Due week 11, week beginning 12 September.

Project 2: Design solutions

Redesign artwork for two assigned albums, and adapt the artwork for online music viewers. Complete a process document to record research, ideation, collaboration with others and the final outcome. The aims are

  • Active participation in a range of creative thinking activities, including ability to ask relevant questions and to generate a range of ideas in response to a given situation or issue
  • Understanding of creativity and creative thinking at a basic level, including its impact and importance for individuals, communities and businesses
  • Knowledge and application of different creative thinking techniques and processes to a range of situations.
  • Development of a design solution through research, reflection and the generation and refinement of ideas
  • Effective collaboration with others in the design process
  • Knowledge of design trends and technologies in the relevant industry context.

Due week 17, week beginning 7 November

 

At the completion of the course, grading will be offered in addition to, and after, competency based assessment.

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment are:

CHD - Competent with High Distinction.

CDI - Competent with Distinction

CC - Competent with Credit

CAG - Competency Achieved - Graded

CA - Competency Achieved - Ungraded

DNS - Did Not Submit for Assessment

NYC - Not Yet Competent


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.

Other Information

Attendance

The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. Attend all sessions to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Feedback

You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects. Student feedback at RMIT

Student Progress

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)

All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension.http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Cover Sheet for Submissions

You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work (hardcopies). This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

Course Overview: Access Course Overview