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
that 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 that lie outside the
classroom, or they may be conceived as independent activities that lie
completely outside the formal curricular and co-curricular structures of the
college. In any case, a project should be devised 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. Examples of final products include:
a public performance, a portfolio of work, a collection of prose or poetry, or a musical composition. The final product must be shared in a way
that is appropriate for the project and open to an outside audience,
such as through an exhibition, reading, or online publication.
While a stand-alone reflection component
is not required in the AC category, deliberation over aesthetic choice and
reflection upon one’s role in the creative arts are assumed to be part of the
artistic development process and the production of a final product as required
for the AC category. Those making proposals for AC coding should be specific about
the particular methods of critique and response that will be used to elicit
such deliberation as part of the creative process.
Examples of experiential learning
activities that might fulfill this category:
INDIVIDUALIZED ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES.
Classes that are more strictly academic in nature, such as courses in music,
theatre, or art history, are not sufficient, in and of themselves, to fulfill
the requirement. However, a professor may wish to add to such a course a
substantial elective experiential project (module) that would qualify for
Odyssey credit. 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 include
individual projects as well as student-organized musical, theatrical, or
public-speaking groups whose activities culminate in an approved public
presentation.
COURSES. Any course that includes a
substantial hands-on component could be a logical candidate for fulfilling this
Odyssey category. Specific examples include music activity, dance activity,
acting, directing, music composition, creative writing, and studio art classes.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE AC CATEGORY
Supervisors for the AC category must be
members of the Hendrix faculty.
If you will need space on campus for a
final performance, exhibit, or presentation, you must consult the Master
Calendar and submit a calendar request form.
If your final product will be a tangible
object such as a manuscript of a literary work or a recording or score of a
musical composition, you may wish to investigate copyrighting the work. Find
out more from the U. S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov.