7531.10 - Aesthtetic Learning Processes and Creativity

7531.10

Aesthtetic Learning Processes and Creativity

15

Students will acquire knowledge about foundational theories on and methods in aesthetic learning processes and creativity in relation to children, adults, play, learning and pedagogical work. The aim is that students understand the role aesthetic learning processes and creativity have in human existence, personal formation, development and learning. The course will focus on children and the role of the social educator in these matters. Students will also acquire knowledge about different aesthetic expressions, communication and language usage among children, e.g. as seen in child play, children’s drawings and interactive media. In relation to this, students will develop practical and didactic competences, so they can place aesthetic learning processes, creativity and a child’s own culture in a didactic and pedagogical context.

Based in theoretical texts and practical and didactic assignments, students will work in varied, reflecting, experimental, creative and innovative ways. Among the topics covered are: - Aesthetics and cognition - Aesthetic learning processes as academic field and method - Defining aesthetics - Aesthetic expression and language usage among children - Creativity and reflexivity among children and adults - The role of the social educator in relation to a child’s own creativity - Play, development and learning – informal and formal learning processes - Development and learning in day institutions and kindergartens - Children and artistic activity in a didactic perspective

Students will have smaller oral, written and hands-on assignments throughout the course. In addition to these, students write to major papers: 1. An essay, written individually, in which students show that they have acquired an overall picture of basic theories on aesthetic learning processes and creativity. 2. A research paper, written in groups of 2-3 students, in which the groups show their insight into theoretical and didactic processes in relation to children and aesthetic/artistic activity Internal examiners will be used. In order to pass the course, students must pass all assignments. The final grade is based on the research paper, and will be awarded according to the current grading scale.