Name: Ogungbemi Beatrice Yetunde

Matric no: 190302513

Dept: Educational Management
Course code: ASE 349
Course title: Teaching Methods II
Lecturer in charge: Dr. Oyenike Adeosun

ASSIGNMENT
Question 1.
What are the principles of creativity?
The principles of creativity refer to the fundamental ideas and concepts that underlie the creative
process. These principles help guide individuals in their efforts to generate new and innovative ideas,
and can help them to overcome obstacles and think outside the box. I will be discussing some of these
key principles of creativity below:
a. Creativity is perceptive
b. Creativity is paradoxical
c. Creativity is constructive
d. Creativity is courageous
e. Creativity is in everyone
f. Creativity can be inspired or suppressed
g. Creativity is childlike
h. Creativity accepts ambiguity
A. Creativity is perceptive
Perception can be defined as the process of organizing and interpreting sensory information in order
to understand the world around us. Creativity is perceptive in general terms because new ideas or
concepts that are unrelated can be connected to bring about innovation. Creativity is heavily
associated to the way we interpret and understand the world we live in. In Literature, perception of
the world is interpretive in different forms, hence why different artist showcases their perception
about life in different creative forms, no two artists can perceive an object or situation in same way.
For example, a writer may be able to perceive “the ocean” to be mother nature harboring a lot of
water animals, and another might perceive the ocean to be dangerous, one thought is romantic and
the other thought is terrific. These unique thoughts as created different genres of literary text:
romantic texts, comedy text, sci-fi text, fiction text, non-fiction texts, thriller texts, horror text etc.

B. Creativity is paradoxical
Creativity can be said to be paradoxical in the sense that it involves combining contradictory
elements to produce something new and original. Creative ideas often arise from the tension between
opposing forces, such as chaos and order, freedom and constraint and tradition and innovation. This
paradoxical nature of creativity allows someone to break away from the norms and produce
unexpected solutions to problems. The paradoxical nature of creativity can be challenging but it helps
to push us beyond boundaries in creating innovations.
C. Creativity is constructive
Creativity can be said to be constructive because it involves using one's imagination, mind and skills
to generate new ideas and solutions that adds value to the world. Creative minds are often driven by
a desire to create something that is useful, beautiful, or meaningful, just like our youth of today are
making waves around the world. These creative minds are contributing to the world and they are
making difference in the lives of others. For example, the likes of Chimamanda Adichie, Falz ( a
Nigerian Musician) and the likes.
D. Creativity is courageous
Creativity requires courage because it involves taking risks and breaking away from the norm. To be
creative, one must be willing to step outside their comfort zone, challenge themselves, and explore
new ideas and perspectives. Courage is necessary to overcome the fear of failure, rejection, or
criticism that often accompanies the creative process. It takes courage to share one's ideas and
creations with others, especially when they are different or unconventional. In other words, creativity
has been courageous because it takes bravery to be creative and to express oneself.
E. Creativity is in everyone
Creativity is in everyone because it is a natural human trait that allows us to create new ideas,
solutions, and expressions. We all have the ability to imagine, innovate, and think outside the box, no
matter our background or experiences. Creativity is not limited to only arts, but can also be found in
our everyday activities such as problem-solving, decision-making, and communication. Creativity
can also be expressed through various mediums such as writing, painting, cooking etc. In order
words, everyone has the potential to be creative because it is a fundamental part of being human. It
just takes practice, experimentation, and a willingness to explore and try new things.
F. Creativity can be inspired or suppressed
Creativity can be inspired or suppressed depending on various factors such as environment,
mindset, and external influences. Creativity can be inspired when we are exposed to new
experiences, ideas, and perspectives. For example, visiting a new place, meeting new people, or
learning a new skill can spark creativity by expanding our horizons and stimulating our imagination.
On the other hand, creativity can be suppressed when we are in a negative or restrictive environment
that discourages innovation or experimentation. Fear, self-doubt, and criticism can also stifle
creativity by limiting our ability to take risks and explore new possibilities.
In other words, creativity can be either inspired or suppressed depending on the conditions we
find ourselves in. To cultivate creativity, it is important to seek out experiences and environments
that stimulate our imagination and to overcome any barriers or obstacles that may be hindering our
creative potential.
G. Creativity is childlike
Children tend to be less self-conscious than adults, asking more questions and thinking more
laterally. Adults’ experience and expertise can lead them to prematurely shut down new thinking.
Creativity is often served when we “think like a kid,” inspired by what could be. Pablo Picasso once
said, “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” Instead of being
overly critical of his own ideas, he freed himself to sketch whatever took his fancy. Unlike so many
adults who become stifled by convention, Picasso discovered his right and will to be free, expressing
himself unselfconsciously.
H. Creativity accepts ambiguity
Most human beings don’t like ambiguity. It makes them uncomfortable. The hallmark of a creative
thinker is a willingness to accept ambiguity, embrace discomfort, and focus on the promise of
possibility. Rather than rush back to what is familiar, the creative mind lingers, trading comfort for
potential. Glass is traditionally a craft medium, yet most of Dale Chihuly’s sculptures are neither
utilitarian nor functional. His comfort with ambiguity challenges the modernist idea of beauty and
the art world’s definition of art. One of the first glass artists to use asymmetric designs in his work,
Chihuly is an avant-garde pioneer whose work has paved the way for future glass artists.

Question 2
In what ways has literature prepare us for the world of work in modern times?
Literature has a mirror of life as in one way or the other influence and prepare us for the world of
work in modern times. I will like to discuss the ways in which literature has been of help to us in the
world of work under a major category and sub category;

Developing of soft skills

In recent times, there has been a trend of employers complaining about graduates of university to
be unemployable due to their lack of required soft skills. Soft skills refer to a set of personal
attributes, social skills, and communication abilities that allow people to interact effectively and
harmoniously with others. These skills are usually intangible and difficult to quantify, such as
empathy, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership. Soft skills are
important in the workplace, as they complement technical or hard skills and enable individuals to
work well with others, build strong relationships, and contribute to a positive work environment.
Student with rich and well-rounded education are often not found with lack of soft skills, so to say,
literature in a way has helped shaped youths for life ahead. Soft skills mentioned earlier are germane
for efficiency at work place. This soft skill will be discussed as a sub-category below;

1. Communication skills: Literature can help us develop strong communication skills, including
writing, speaking, and listening. In the workplace, effective communication is critical for
success, whether writing a report, giving a presentation, or collaborating with colleagues.
2. Critical thinking: Literature encourages critical thinking by exposing the readers to complex
characters, situations, and ideas. This skill is essential in the modern workplace, where
employees are often required to solve problems, make decisions, and evaluate information.
3. Empathy: Reading literature can help us develop empathy by allowing us to understand
different perspectives and experiences. In the workplace, empathy is crucial for building
strong relationships with colleagues, customers, and clients.
4. Creativity: Literature can inspire creativity and imagination, which are valuable assets in the
modern workplace. Whether you're developing a new product or marketing campaign,
creativity is essential for innovation and success.
5. Cultural awareness: Literature can expose us to different cultures and ways of life, helping us
develop a broader perspective and cultural awareness. This is particularly important in a
globalized world, where many businesses operate across borders and require employees who
can navigate diverse cultural contexts.
Overall, literature can provide us with a range of skills and insights that are relevant to the
modern workplace, from communication and critical thinking to empathy, creativity, and cultural
awareness.

Question 3: Do a summary of five theories of literature

First, I will like to define what “theory” is in relation to literature. Theory is a body of rules or
principles used to appraise works of literature. Also, I would like to consider the definition of
 “literary theory”. Literary theory tries to explain the assumptions and values upon which various
forms of literary criticism rest. It is the lenses through which we see a literary texts, it helps us to
think more deeply and insightfully about the literature texts that we read. It helps us to understand
how readers critic, interpret, and criticize literary texts.
Below is brief summary for five theories of literature;
a) Sociological theory of literature: This theory is propounded b French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu.
This is an approach to literary analysis that examines the relationship between literature and society.
It suggests that literary works are shaped by the social, historical and cultural contexts in which they
are produced, and that they can offer insight into the workings of society. Sociological theory of
literature seeks to understand how literature reflects and shapes the social structures, ideologies and
power relations. It explores how literary works can be used to challenge dominant cultural narratives
and promote social change. It also focuses on economic, political and cultural issues within a literary
text because literature is a reflection of the society that created it.
b) Marxist theory of literature: This theory is propounded by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Marxist
theory analyze how literary works helps to reflect and externalize the social and economic
inequalities particularly the class inequalities. Marxist theory sees literature as a means of cultural
production that reflects the ideology of the ruling class or the dominant economic class of a particular
society, which means that literature is political in nature and reflects the interest and values of those
who controls the means of production.
c) Feminist theory of literature: This theory has been developed and expanded by numerous scholars.
This theory explains the way of looking at literature through the lens of gender. It focses on how
literature reflects and reinforces cultural norms and values surrounding gender and how these norm
and values shape the way we read and interpret literature. One key aspect of feminist literary theory
is the concept of the "male gaze," which refers to the ways in which literature and other cultural
artifacts have traditionally been created by men, for men, and with a focus on the male perspective.
Feminist literary theorists seek to challenge this dominant perspective by analyzing how women are
represented in literature and by promoting the voices of women writers.
d) Post-colonial theory of literature: Post colonial theory of literature is an approach to analyzing
literature written by authors from countries that were formerly colonized by European powers. It
seeks to understand how colonialism, imperialism and cultural, economic, and political structures it
created, have shaped the literature and identity of these countries. It recognizes that the effects of
colonialism are still present today, and that the voices and experiences of formerly colonized peoples
 have often been marginalized or silenced in mainstream literature. Postcolonial theory therefore
seeks to promote and value the diversity of voices and perspectives from the societies.
e) Psychoanalytic theory of literature: The psychoanalytic theory of colonialism is a framework for
understanding the psychological and emotional dimensions of colonialism, which refers to the domination of
one group of people over another group based on social, economic, and political power differentials.
According to this theory, colonialism involves a dynamic relationship between the colonizer and the
colonized, where the colonizer seeks to maintain power and control over the colonized through
various means, including physical force, economic exploitation, and cultural domination.

REFERENCES
Culler, J. (1997). Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford:
Oxford University Press
Spivak, G. C. (1999). A critique of postcolonial reason: Toward a history of the vanishing present.
Harvard University Press.
Tyson, L. (2006). Critical Theory Today: A User Friendly Guide. New York: Routledge.
Williams, R. (1977). Marxism and Literature. Oxford: Oxford University Press