FRS 002X — Sec. 001 — (2 units) — CRN 45519 — T 3:10-5:00pm — University Club Studio
On Art and Creativity

Instructor: Della Davidson, Department of Theatre and Dance, College of Letters and Science

Description: This Seminar will explore the impulses of the creative processes: how artists think and the processes by which art is created. We will explore several different mediums including theater, dance and the visual arts by watching videos, visiting art galleries, attending performances and talking to artists. We will ask many questions including: What inspires artists? How is this initial inspiration realized into form? What is metaphor? How do we understand abstraction? After looking at the work of many artists, the students will then turn the questions on themselves, exploring their own creative impulses and instincts by doing creative projects of their own design. The goal of this seminar is to educate students to the wonders of art in order for them to connect to their own creative instincts and to learn how to “read” contemporary art. Learning about art teaches students how to think creatively and conceptually about the world as well as to understand the importance of establishing their own point of view. Experiencing the creative process empowers students to trust their own instincts and vision.

Format: VIEWING AND READING REQUIREMENTS: ON DIRECTING by Anne Bogart; A biography of an Artist selected by the student; Selected Handouts on the work of Martha Graham; Videos of select Dance Artists. ATTENDANCE AT CLASS REQUIRED; ATTENDANCE at required Performances; TWO PAPERS One on the viewing of The Martha Graham Company and one on The Laramie Project; A PRESENTATION on one artist (The artist whose biography you have read.); A FINAL CREATIVE PROJECT with documentation of your creative process. Grading: Participation and discussion in Class: 30%; Papers; 20%; Class Presentation 20%; Final Project 30%.

One Absence Allowed. Additional absences reduce grade by half steps.

About the Instructor: