This is a project-based class in collaborative innovation where students experience group creativity and team-based design by using techniques from across the disciplines of business, theatre, design, and art practice. They will leverage problem framing and solving techniques derived from critical thinking, systems thinking, and creative problem solving (popularly known today as design thinking). The course is grounded in a brief weekly lecture that sets out the theoretical, historical, and cultural contexts for particular innovation practices, but the majority of the class involves hands-on studio-based learning guided by an interdisciplinary team of teachers leading small group collaborative projects.

It is often said, “You must dream it before you can do it.” But how do you ignite and harness your imagination - the inspiration for your dreams and ideas? And once you have a dream, what does it take to innovate – to turn the dreaming into doing to bring it to life? The class explores these topics and provides practice in innovation as not only a mindset, but also a process involving a series of tools and steps that can guide us in making ethical change in the world. Through hands-on, project-based exercises, this course will teach students to put their imaginations into action to better observe, frame, critique, make, and reflect upon their ideas for change. The course will also ask students to view change as a complex process of adaptation that can center human interconnectedness and care - where new systems and patterns for change can emerge out of simple but multiple interactions and explorations. Whether your goal is an art project, start-up, a new approach in the lab, an AI application, or just to make the world a better place, this course will provide methods to activate your entire mind and body, as well as the techniques and skills you need to innovate and create change. We also utilize team teaching, invite guest lecturers, and host students from different parts of the campus into the class to inspire discussion and open new avenues for exploration.

Credit Restrictions

Students will receive no credit for THEATER 100 after completing ART 100, or UGBA 190C. A deficient grade in THEATER 100 may be removed by taking ART 100, or UGBA 190C.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills