The psychology of creativity is closely linked both to the individual writer and to her material via archetypal tropes which are manifested in mythological symbolism. This module will study intensely the Jungian and other depth psychological views of the human psyche which will give students the equipment to think mythically, not only about all creative activity but about life itself. Both a reflective essay on these themes will be required, as well as a portfolio of creative work based on classes.
Working closely in groups of six or seven students, the latter part of the module will allow students to work as a team and be assessed as part of a team. This third assignment will be on a theme chosen in negotiation with the tutor and will be one which reflects psychological and mythical motifs.
Myth and the Creative Process is a creative writing module which concentrates on the use of myth by writers across all literature, from the oldest known to those writing today, coupled with exploring a sense of how the creative process is linked to this common factor. Collaborative as well as creative processes will be explored, and the term myth will include such elements as fairy tale, tradition, locality, folklore, divination and other systems of knowledge and symbolism useful to writers.
This module is NOT suitable for anyone who is unwilling to undertake group work, which involves working with other students outside the classroom and for the purpose of group assessment.
Module Supervisor's Research into Subject Area
Adrian May's module is a unique one and is complemented by his book Myth and Creative Writing (Longman, 2011), which explores the psychology of creativity and its relation to myth. He has written elsewhere about myth and creativity.
Working closely in groups of six or seven students, the latter part of the module will allow students to work as a team and be assessed as part of a team. This third assignment will be on a theme chosen in negotiation with the tutor and will be one which reflects psychological and mythical motifs.
Myth and the Creative Process is a creative writing module which concentrates on the use of myth by writers across all literature, from the oldest known to those writing today, coupled with exploring a sense of how the creative process is linked to this common factor. Collaborative as well as creative processes will be explored, and the term myth will include such elements as fairy tale, tradition, locality, folklore, divination and other systems of knowledge and symbolism useful to writers.
This module is NOT suitable for anyone who is unwilling to undertake group work, which involves working with other students outside the classroom and for the purpose of group assessment.
Module Supervisor's Research into Subject Area
Adrian May's module is a unique one and is complemented by his book Myth and Creative Writing (Longman, 2011), which explores the psychology of creativity and its relation to myth. He has written elsewhere about myth and creativity.
- Module Supervisor: Adrian May