Both in common language and in the scholarship of human development, the realms of creativity and morality have been considered to be separate. Indeed, creative work is often seen as amoral if not immoral, and morality is rarely seen as a creative endeavor. At a time when innovation is being increasingly rewarded in every sphere, and where traditional legal, religious, and communal sanctions are less potent, it is opportune to reconsider the apparent disjunction between creation and morality. We will review the relevant literature on creative development and moral development, with particular attention to the concept of responsible professional practice. Then, using data from an ongoing study of innovation in the professions, students will explore possible links between these traditionally remote spheres.
Preference is given to doctoral students.
Should the course be oversubscribed, students will be asked to submit a one-page statement about their qualifications and reasons for taking the course. The statement should be submitted after the first class, and students will be notified promptly. Steven Brion-Meisels and Ulric Johnson. Martin Luther King's words frame the first part of this two-module sequence. Interpersonal and institutional violence puts children, youth, parents, educators, and communities at risk.