SoC First Year Seminar: Interdisciplinary Topics in Communication Arts & Sciences (101-0-2)

Topic

CREATE: The Art, Work, and Science of Creativity

Instructors

Ignacio F. Cruz

Paloma Martinez

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall G30: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Why do we create? Who gets to be called creative? And how does creativity really happen? In this seminar, we explore creativity as something that goes beyond individual talent—it's something shaped by communities, cultures, and tools.

Blending perspectives from communication, media, and the arts, this course introduces students to the histories, practices, and everyday realities of creative work. We'll study how artists, organizers, designers, and thinkers turn ideas into action—and how collaboration, conflict, and constraint shape what gets made.

Through discussion, hands-on exercises, and visits with working creatives, students will reflect on their own creative practices while learning how creativity functions in the world around them. No prior experience in the arts or media is required, just a curiosity and a willingness to explore.

Registration Requirements

This course is open to School of Communication first-year students who were assigned to take CMN 101 in the Spring quarter.

Learning Objectives

Learning Goal: Engage critical thinking skills while exploring the breadth of School of Communication creative and research endeavors.

Learning Outcome: Students will identify key factors relevant to the course topic, differentiate between multiple perspectives and interpretations, and explain how at least two School of Communication disciplines might approach a given topic.

Learning Goal: Experiment with research and communication conventions associated with School of Communication disciplines.

Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate their ability to communicate ideas and/or experiences compellingly by using appropriate research tools, soliciting feedback, employing disciplinary conventions, and addressing audience expectations.

Learning Goal: Collaborate with peers from different SoC majors to highlight the benefits of interdisciplinary inquiry.

Learning Outcome: Students will collaborate with peers across different majors to successfully complete at least one group project and reflect upon the skills employed to accomplish that task.

Class Attributes

SOC First-Year Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration.
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required