Improvisational thinking (online)

Presentation

Keywords:
Discussion, Listening, Presentation, Speaking

THIS COURSE WILL BE COMPLETELY ONLINE.

Improvisation is speaking, acting or creating something without having prepared it. It has been a performance techniques for hundreds of years. More recently, improvisation (and improvisational thinking) has been applied as a tool to teach various skills in education, creativity, innovation, management, social change, communication, personal development, environmental management mental health.... In this course, you will experience improvisation activities in different applications, and discussion how they can be used in environments that interest you.

You will have an understanding of basic improvisational thinking (theory) as well as skills.

You will also understand the role of improvisation in applied settings, and be able to apply it within your own area of academic interest.

You will learn the basics of how to design experimental activities that combine learning activities with analysis and debrief.

Completion of weekly assignments & homework: 70%
Book/media research report : 10%
Improv activity design (group project): 10%
Final reflective paper: 10%

1	INTRODUCTION TO EVERYTHING This first class will be run on Zoom, and we will see each other for the first time. As well as getting to know each other, we will use this opportunity to become accustomed to: 1. Improvisation. What is it? What are some of its most basic concepts. We will play pair and small group games on line, and take our first steps in improvising. 2. Learning online. We will confirm the various online and analog ways that you will be expected to work in this class. (See also the note at the bottom of this syllabus.)
2	TOPIC 1 - Improvisation for communication and team building (1) This week will introduce the regular class format of (a) experiencing an improvisation activity (b) debriefing the activity (c) personal reflection of the experience
3	TOPIC 1 - Improvisation for communication and team building (2) More improvisation activities - the bonus is that while you are learning the activities and the theory, you will also be getting to know your classmates better.
4	TOPIC 1 - Improvisation for communication and team building (3) More improvisation activities - and consideration of how they may be applied to team building in different groups and business settings.
5	TOPIC 2 - Improvisation in education (1) Exploring how improvisation can be used to teach different academic skills and subjects.
6	TOPIC 3 - Improvisation in creativity and innovation (1) Exploration of how improvisation applies across fields of creativity, innovation and design thinking.
7	TOPIC 2 - Improvisation in education (2) Exploring how improvisation can be used to teach different academic skills and subjects.
8	TOPIC 3 - Improvisation in creativity and innovation (2) Exploration of how improvisation applies across fields of creativity, innovation and design thinking.
9	TOPIC 2 - Improvisation in education (3) Exploring how improvisation can be used to teach different academic skills and subjects.
10	TOPIC 3 - Improvisation in creativity and innovation (3) Exploration of how improvisation applies across fields of creativity, innovation and design thinking.
11	FINAL WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS (1): Students will work in teams to design and deliver a short learning activity that applies improvisational thinking.
12	FINAL WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS (2): Students will work in teams to design and deliver a short learning activity that applies improvisational thinking.
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Hi! I'm glad that you're considering taking this class. This semester will be really experimental for everyone, but especially for a class like this, where so many activities require group work and active student participation for most of the class.

This course will be taught via Zoom. For groupwork and rehearsals you will also be able to use Line, Skype, Facebook or any other platform that you are comfortable with. Your choice. You will also regularly post assignments and responses on Flipgrid.

Your homework and assignments will comprise class preparation including reading and watching online material; you will also meet regularly outside class time in pairs or small groups online to practise improv skills or discuss readings. In particular, the final project will be a collaboration requiring meetings and coordination with your group.