Creativity Core Curriculum

How does the Creativity Core Curriculum relate to my major?

All exceptional endeavors and every academic discipline require human creativity in some capacity. This will only increase as artificial intelligence capabilities grow. A global study conducted by IBM of 1,500 Chief Executive Officers listed creativity as the #1 skill needed to navigate a world of increasing complexity. As the need for creativity in the workplace is likely to increase further in all disciplines, a Jefferson education prepares students for a world that requires visionary and flexible individuals. All undergraduate majors on the East Falls campus have a required Creativity Intensive course that supports creativity skills building and content through the lens of the major.

How does the Creativity Core Curriculum engage with first-year students on the East Falls Campus?

First-year students first engage with the Creativity Core Curriculum as part of the First-Year Seminar course (FYS 100), typically taken during the first semester. At this time, every student  takes their first Creative Making Workshop, and selects a topic for this workshop from among a wide variety of options. Topics relate to many diverse disciplines and are offered both in physical and virtual delivery modes. Some first-year students may also take the Creativity Intensive Course at this time, but the timing of this course varies by major. 

How do transfer students complete the Creativity Core Curriculum?

The Creativity Core Curriculum is infused into each major’s existing curriculum. Transfer students develop their individualized educational plan in close consultation with advisors and their program director. Depending on prior coursework, some transfer students may be exempt from certain elements of the Creativity Core Curriculum.

How many Creative Making Workshops will I take?

Students will take two Creative Making Workshops. One is required as part of the First Year Seminar (FYS100), and the other is connected to the Creativity Intensive Course which exists within the major.

How long has the Creativity Core Curriculum been in existence?

The Creativity Core Curriculum launched in Fall 2020 on the East Falls Campus with the entering first-year class and typically serves over 2,200 students annually. The long-term vision involves growth to support all students at all levels at the university.

Can I replace any of the required courses?

The components of the Creativity Core Curriculum are connected to existing undergraduate degree requirements. With the exception of East Falls undergraduate transfer students entering in Fall 2020 or later, all undergraduate students on the East Falls Campus are required to take First Year Seminar (which includes a Creative Making Workshop), a Creativity Intensive Course housed within the major (which includes a second Creative Making Workshop), and the final course in the Hallmarks Core, “Philosophies of the Good Life.”

What if I feel that I am already creative?

By definition, creativity is not a skill that can be definitively achieved as there is always room for more growth and exploration. The fostering of one’s own creativity is a life-long pursuit even for those individuals who already feel closely connected to creativity in either professional or personal arenas. This is true, even for the most eminent creators among us!

What if I am not creative?

Creativity comes in all forms. While you may feel that others are more creative than you in a traditional sense, a Jefferson education will help you to evolve the unique creative capacity that is present in you and all humans. The Creativity Core Curriculum is designed to cultivate growth for students at all levels of creative development. Its components have a broad approach to creativity ranging from discipline specific content to potentially new experiences in Creative Making Workshops. The curriculum is designed to broaden your understanding of your own creative potential.

How did the Creativity Core Curriculum impact the Thomas Jefferson University community last year?

Take a closer look at what we did last year in our Creativity Core Curriculum Annual Summary. Here we highlight why creativity is important, the components of the curriculum, our creative making workshops, and more.

Read the full summary.