Creativity, Genius, Expertise and Talent

Subject MUSI30248 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2016.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2-hour lecture per week.
Total Time Commitment:

136 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Gary Mcpherson

g.mcpherson@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Defines research dealing with the complexity of creativity, genius, expertise and talent across disciplines, including music. Recent research will examine the natural abilities, environmental and intrapersonal catalysts and developmental processes that lead to the development of human potential in a wide range of fields. Students will reflect on their own development and how they can optimize their own personal growth as a result of knowledge acquired through discussion of key points raised in lectures and readings.
Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Understand the aetiology of creativity.
  • Identify the complex relationship of natural abilities, developmental processes and acquired competencies underpinning the achievement of greatness in a range of fields.
  • Critically analyse varying theories and associated research related to expert performance.
  • Understand how to incorporate catalysts to performance excellence in their own growth and personal development.
Assessment:
  • 10 weekly, online, quizzes each with five multiple choice questions posed by the lecturer which explore the relationship between the prescribed reading and the lecture topic; beginning Week 2 (50%)
  • A written assignment (2,500 words) in which students critically analyse theory and research on the debate between nature and nurture, and their contribution to creativity and attainment of expert performance in a domain of their choosing; Week 11 (50%)
Prescribed Texts:

Kaufman, S. B. (Ed.). (2013). The complexity of greatness: beyond talent or practice. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Additional readings will be available online via the LMS website.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject, students should have developed:

  • Skills in accessing current research from international databases, websites, journals and texts.
  • The ability to analyse and critique literature and presentations.
  • High level conceptual and applied skills.

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