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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Creativity & the Emerging Future
Module Code HUM1002 (ITS: LC311)
Faculty SALIS School Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module focuses on the topic of creativity and on the emerging future at both a macro and micro level. It will firstly explore the concept of creativity, including discrete approaches to defining creativity, and the factors that are argued to foster or hinder its development. The module will then examine emerging trends in multiple domains, such as technology and healthcare, and consider predictions of future developments. Furthermore, at an individual level, the module will prompt students to engage with their own future development, with a particular focus on their career development following university.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the field of creativity studies, including the historic development of the field, the importance of creativity for human development, and the factors which foster or hinder creativity.
2. Demonstrate familiarity with diverse methodologies relevant to creative thinking.
3. Conduct quality research relating to the field of future studies, and identify important emerging trends in multiple sectors.
4. Reflect critically on the implications of emerging innovations on human societies and human relations.
5. Articulate his/her own strengths and provide specific examples which demonstrate these strengthens.
6. Produce a quality curriculum vitae and other documentation relevant to career development.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24Interactive lectures.
Independent Study101Independent study, including work on group project.
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN10316Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorMartin ToalModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Loop QuizStudents will be required to complete an online Loop quiz testing knowledge of the field of creativity studies.20%Week 12
AssignmentStudents will be required to identify a specific methodology which aims to foster creativity and prepare a short summary of this, including information relating to how it was developed, how it works, and the results it produces.20%Sem 1 End
PresentationStudents will be required to do a group presentation focusing on the historic, current and predicted future innovations in one specific domain, including their own critical reflections on such innovations and their own ideas for further innovations.40%Week 21
Professional PortfolioStudents will be required to do a career development exercise. This may include producing a quality CV, as well as other documentation related to career development which clearly articulates the student's strengths and capabilities, and provides examples to support claims made.20%Week 22
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Creativity
What is creativity? How can it be defined? How has it been perceived throughout history?

Creative environments
Creativity cannot be 'taught', but can it be stimulated? What conditions either foster or hinder creativity?

Creative methodologies
What methodologies have been developed that seek harness the creative potential of individuals and groups?

Future studies
What forces are driving change in the modern world? What developments are predicted in the future in sectors such as healthcare, communications, and technology? What impact might these changes have on human relations and how societies function? Where do we mean by sustainability and how can it be promoted in a world of increasing consumerism?

Career development
What skills and attributes do students have to offer the labour market and society?

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Kelly, K: 2017, The Inevitable : Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future, Penguin, United States,
  • Stevenson, M.: 2012, An Optimist's Tour of the Future, Profile Books Ltd., London,
  • Moore, J.W. & Patel, R.: 2018, A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things : A Guide to Capitalism, Nature, and the Future of the Planet, Berkerley, California,
  • Sotelo Valencia, A.: 2018, The Future Of Work: Super-exploitation And Social Precariousness In The 21st Century : Studies in Critical Social Science Volume 81, Haymarket Books, Chicago,
  • Wahl-Jorgensen, K.: 2018, The Future of Journalism: Risks, Threats and Opportunities : Risks, Threats and Opportunities, Taylor and Francis, London,
  • Sinek, S., Meade, D. & Docker, P.: 2017, Find Your Why : A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team, Portfolio,
  • Blake, J.: 2017, Pivot, Penguin, London,
  • Seelig, T.: 2012, Ingenius: A Crash course on creativity, Harper Collins, New York,
  • Robinson, K.: 2011, Out of our minds. Learning to be creative., Capstone Publishing., West Sussex,
  • de Bono, E.: 2018, Future Positive : Change Your Mindset for a Positive Future, Ebury, London,
  • de Bono, E.: 2016, Six Thinking Hats : Run better meetings, make faster decisions, Penguin, London,
  • Csikszentmihalyi, M.: 2013, Creativity : The Psychology of Discovery and Invention, Harper,
  • Kelley, D. & Kelley, T.: 2015, Creative Confidence : Unleashing the Creative Potential within Us All, HarperCollins, London,


Articles:
  • Baldwin, A.: 2014, Securitizing ‘climate refugees’: the futurology of climate-induced migration, Critical Studies on Security, Vol. 2 2014, 37937
  • 2010: The Namesake: Futures; futures studies; futurology; futuristic; foresight—What's in a name?, Futures, 42 (3), 37938, 1
  • The standard definition of creativity.: Creativity Research Journal, 24(1), 9296, 37939, 1, Dunne, C.
  • Journal of Intercultural Studies: 38 (2),
Other Resources

None

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