Experiences in which students explore their creative potential in art, music, dance, drama, or creative writing

Overview

As one of the most venerable instances of giving concrete expression to an idea, art represents an ideal marriage of theory and practice. Activities that satisfy this category may be creative both conceptually and expressively, as in the production of visual art, poetry, musical compositions, performance art, or the presentation of original creative writing. They may also be interpretive, as when the artist performs or executes an idea originally developed by someone else, for instance directing a play, performing a dance or musical piece, or interpreting literature orally. In either case, the activity will demonstrate both understanding of the concept and skill in executing or expressing it to an audience.

Projects which fulfill this category may be prepared in connection with a classroom course or with senior capstone experiences. Alternatively, Artistic Creativity projects may be associated with college-sponsored programs which lie outside the classroom, or they may be conceived as independent activities which lie completely outside the formal curricular and co-curricular structures of the college. In any case, a project should be devised so as to promote the artistic development of the student. Regardless of the student’s initial stage of preparedness, the result should demonstrate growth in the chosen endeavor. Final products might include any of the following: a public performance or gallery showing, a portfolio of work, or a large-scale work in manuscript such as a novel or symphony.

Examples of experiential learning activities that might fulfill this category:

Courses

Any course that includes a substantial hands-on component would be a logical candidate for fulfilling this Odyssey category. Specific examples might include music activity, dance activity, acting, directing, music composition, creative writing, and studio art classes. Each department must determine the level of proficiency and depth of experience it wishes to require. In the case of activity courses, for example, it must be decided how many semesters will be required, and if students must concentrate on a single activity during that period.

Individualized Academic Experiences

Classes that are more strictly academic in nature, such as courses in music, theatre, or art history, will probably not be sufficient, in and of themselves, to fulfill the requirement. However, a professor may wish to add to such a course a substantial experiential project (module) which would qualify for Odyssey credit. This project could be elective, allowing students to opt to take the course for Odyssey credit or not, much in the same way that W-2 credit is optional in the courses that are so designated. Other individualized experiences might include internships (for credit or noncredit), independent studies, and senior capstone projects.

Co-Curricular Activities

This category includes any activities not directly tied to the curriculum. In many cases, they will be student-initiated and student-directed. Examples might include student-organized musical, theatrical, or public-speaking groups whose activities culminate in an approved public presentation.