Creativity & Culture Research Group

Research Interests

The key research interests of the individual group members include Literature, Philosophy and Theology, Design, Film Studies, Music and Cultural Studies. The research group facilitates collaboration between researchers in various areas of Humanities to investigate the concepts of creativity and culture. The group members examine the theoretical maxims of these concepts and then apply these to the individual disciplines, to provide a more in-depth insight into the nature of creativity and culture. In addition the group considers the interrelationship between creativity in the different disciplines to give a better understanding of how to encourage creative thinking and innovation. It also looks at the role of creativity throughout history and how it helped to shape culture.

Application

The group provides a unique opportunity for a trans-disciplinary view of creativity and culture, and it also allows for collaboration between different areas. It therefore has the potential for a particular impact on educational training and society due to its distinctive constitution. Interdisciplinary research between the areas of Literature, Philosophy and Theology, Design, Film Studies, Music and Cultural Studies is uncommon because of the organisational structure of traditional Universities: this group therefore is in a position to pursue original and innovative research in a hereto unexplored context. Central to the research initiative is how a more in-depth understanding of creativity and culture in humanity can make for a better human life in a better world.

Thematic Areas for Postgraduate Students

The current postgraduate students are working in the areas of Religious Studies and Theology, and Music.

Contact:  Dr. Michael Howlett   Email: mhowlett@wit.ie