CTS module outline

1. FOUNDATION IN DESIGN
FOUNDATION IN DESIGN
Creative Thinking Skills | DST30205
MODULE OUTLINE 2016
Version 1
Prepared by CHARLES SHARMA NAIDU

2. The Design School @ Taylor’s
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MODULE DETAILS AND CONTACTS
NOTE: Please READ & RETAIN this Module Handbook for reference throughout the semester
FOUNDATION IN DESIGN
Creative Thinking Skills | DST30205
Credit Hours
Successful completion of the module earns you 5 credits
Module Duration
18 weeks
Pre Requisite Module
None
Contact Hours (SLT)
Lecture (L): 24 hours, Tutorial (T): 54 hours, Practical (P): 0 hours & Others (O): 122 hours
Total Guided Independent Learning (TGIL): 200 hours
Facilitators
Charles Sharma Naidu (TDS) – Module Leader
Chee Sze Yin (TDS)
Delliya Mohd Zain (SABD)
Fu Yen Huei (TDS)
Natasha Hishamuddin (COM)
Sufina Abu Bakar (SABD)
Paul Nickson (SABD)
The Design School @ Taylor’s
Division of Engineering, Architecture, Building and Design
Taylor's University
Taylor's Lakeside Campus
No. 1, Jalan Taylor's PJS 7/13
47500 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: Charles Sharma Naidu (+603) 5629 5259
Charles.Sharma@taylors.edu.my
Delliya.MohdZain@taylors.edu.my
PaulNickson.anakAtia@taylors.edu.my
Sufina.AbuBakar@taylors.edu.my
SzeYin.Chee@taylors.edu.my
tasteofcontinents@gmail.com
YenHuei.Fu@taylors.edu.my

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Class Guide and Courtesy
As courtesy to both facilitator and students, please refrain from using your mobile phone or set it
to silent mode when class is in session.
All students are required to be punctual for classes. Absence from class requires a legitimate
medical certificate or consent letter from parent or guardian. To avoid being barred from
submitting the Final Assessment or sit for Final Examination, 80% of class attendance is required.
ABOUT THE MODULE
Module Rationale and Synopsis
This module aims to develop students’ critical thinking and idea generation abilities through the
investigation and application of a wide range of thinking skills and techniques. They will
understand the modes of thinking commonly associated with critical thinking (left-brain), creative
thinking (right brain) as well as the holistic (whole brain) thinking approach. Through the
application of divergent and convergent thinking methods, they will research, develop and present
ideas and conclusions in the form of tangible statements. Knowledge and skills acquired will
support the students’ learning through the stages of study to follow.
1. To encourage and inculcate the practice of recording ideas visually based on the theory and
practice of creative thinking.
2. To encourage and inculcate the practice of critical analytical thought through topical discourse
and inquiry based on sound creative thinking strategies.
3. To facilitate the recognition of creative thinking and personal development through assessment
and evaluation of a body of work, compiled as a portfolio.
Teaching-Learning and Assessment Strategy
Students will partake in class exercises, lectures and study trips. Class exercises and
assignments will be in individual and group formats. Students will be self-directed in their class
exercises and assignments.
Assessment Hurdle
A student who fails to attempt Final Examination or fails to submit Final Assessment, will result in
failing the module irrespective of the overall marks earned, even though he/she has achieved 50%
or more in the overall assessment. The student will not be allowed for Re-sit Examination.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:
1. Recognize important creative strategies in problem-solving;
2. Describe the use of creative thinking strategies within their field of study;
3. Demonstrate their knowledge by applying creative strategies in a variety of assignments; self-
examine their learning through introspection (e-portfolio).

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MODULE WEEKLY PLAN (August 2016)
Weekly Plan
Week Topic Contents
Delivery
Methods
Week 1
03/08
Introduction to Creative
Thinking Skills
Lecture01: Introduction to ZIG-ZAG, idea-journal and
ice breaking (All lecturers)
Lecture
Week 2
10/08
TOPIC: DEVELOPING
THINKING SKILLS
Lecture02:
Step 1: Ask – Asking the right questions
- by Charles
Assignment 1 briefing
Lecture,
Tutorial,
activity
Week 3
17/08
TOPIC: OBSERVATION Lecture03: Step 3: Look – The Power of Observation
-by Natasha
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity
Week 4
24/08
SUBMISSION +
PRESENTATION DAY
Assignment 1 submission (10%)
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity
Week 5
31/08
Malaysian Independence Day (online class/replacement – refer to lecturers for each tutorial groups)
Week 6
07/09
TOPIC: KNOWLEDGE Lecture04: Step 2: Learn – The Importance of
Knowledge – by Chee Sze Yin
Assignment 2 briefing
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity
Week 7
14/09
TOPIC: PLAYFULNESS
PT1
Lecture05: Step 4: Play (Part 1) – The Power of
Creative Play in the Ideation Process (First Practice)
-by Natasha
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity
Week 8
21/09
TOPIC: PLAYFULNESS
PT2
Lecture06: Step 4: Play (Part 2) – The Power of
Creative Play in the Ideation Process (Third Practice)
-by Chee Sze Yin
Assignment 2 submission (10%)
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity
Week 9
28/09
TOPIC: THINKING OUT
LOUD
Lecture08: Step 5: Think – The Mapping Out of Ideas.
by Delliya
Assignment 3 briefing
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity

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* Note: As we are all part of the creative community, this syllabus will remain flexible and thus would subject to
changes without prior notice or upon discussion. 81= online and journal activities
Important Dates (July/August Intake 2016):
Activity Week: 24
th
October – 30
th
October
Deepavali Festival: 29
th
October
Mid-semester break: 31
st
October – 6
th
November
Class resumes on the 7
th
of November
Academic Semester end: 9
th
December
Week 10
05/10
TOPIC: SYNECTICS
Lecture09: Step 6: Fuse – Combining Ideas to boost
Innovation
By Yen Huei
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity
Week 11
12/10
TOPIC: CRITERIA
Lecture10: Step 7: Choose – Know What You’re
Looking For.
-by Delliya
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity
Week 12
19/10
SUBMISSION +
PRESENTATION DAY Submission of assignment 3 (10%)
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity
Week 13
26/10
TOPIC: SYNTHESIS
Lecture12: Step 8: Make – Putting It All Together
(Creation) -by Yen Huei
FINAL PROJECT BRIEFING
Introduction and overview
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity
Mid Semester Break 31
st
October – 6
th
November
Week 14
09/11
FINAL PROJECT Team based tutorials
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity
Week 15
16/11
FINAL PROJECT
TUTORIALS
Progress Crit (important!)
Team based tutorials
Lecture,
Tutorial,
81 activity
Week 16
23/11
FINAL PROJECT
TUTORIALS
Team based tutorials
Week 17
30/11
FINAL PROJECT
PRESENTATION
Final Presentation (40%)
Tutorial,
81 activity
Week 18
07/12
SUBMISSION OF IDJ (20%)
E-Portfolio presentation
Tutorial,
81 activity

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MODULE REFERENCES
Recommended Reading
1. Sawyer, K. (2013). Zig Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity. Wiley. com.
2. Michalko, M. (2010). Thinkertoys: A handbook of creative-thinking techniques. Random House
Digital, Inc.
Other References
1. Liu, E., & Noppe-Brandon, S. (2011). Imagination first: Unlocking the power of possibility. John
Wiley & Sons.
2. Michalko, M. (2001). Cracking creativity: The secrets of creative genius. Random House Digital, Inc.
3. Buzan, T. & Buzan, B. (1996). The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your
Brain's Untapped Potential, Plume; Reprint Edition.
4. Pink, D.H. (2005). A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. Riverhead Books
For referencing purpose:
http://taylorslibrary.taylors.edu.my/user_skills/user_support_students
Note: Once on the webpage, scroll down to item E. Referencing
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Marking Criteria & % Distribution (%) LO1 LO2 LO3
Continuous Assessment (50%)
Breakdown Mark(%)
Idea journal 20%
Assignment 1 10%
Assignment 2 10%
Assignment 3 10%
50 ü ü ü
Final Assessment (40%)
Breakdown Mark(%)
Individual 10%
Group 30%
40 ü ü ü
E-portfolio (10%) 10 ü ü ü
Total 100

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Module Learning Outcomes and Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC) acquired by students upon
successful completion of the module.
Taylor's Graduate Capabilities Matrix Mapping
TGC
1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 2.2 2.3 3.1 3.2 4.1 5.1 5.2 6.1 6.2 6.3 7.1 7.2 8.1
Learning Outcome
LO 1 l l l
LO 2 l l
LO 3 l l l l
Project / Assignment Brief
Continuous Assessment 50%
Idea Journal 20% l l l
Assignment 1
10%
l l l
Assignment 2
10%
l l l
Assignment 3
10%
l l l
Final Assessment 40%
Individual 10% l l l
Group 30% l l l
E-Portfolio 10%
E-portfolio 10% l l l l
Marking Criteria
Critical & creative
thinking 20%
l l l l
Able to put theories
into practice 20%
l l l l
Locate, Extract,
synthesize and
utilize information
effectively 20%
l l l l
Communicate
appropriately in
various settings &
modes 20%
l l l l
Effective use of ICT
and related
technology 20%
l
Blended Learning Initiative
OnlineLectures/
Tutorials
LectureCapture
LectureCapture
(Pre-recorded)
Online
Assessment/
Quizzes
OnlineDiscussion
Forum
Information
RetrievalBefore
Lecturesand/or
Tutorials
Blogs/Wikis
VideoProduction
(Assignment
Submissionby
Students)
VirtualSimulation
and/orGaming
BringYourOwn
Device(BYOD)to
Classrooms
Plagiarism
Checking
Others
TotalBlended
LearningHours
Estimated%
ofBlended
Learning
15 0 10 5 10 20 5 10 10 10 0 0 95 56%

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REFERENCE FOR TAYLOR’S GRADUATE
CAPABILITIES:
Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC)
1. Discipline Specific Knowledge
1.1 Able to put theories into practice
1.2 Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of study
1.3 Understand professional practice within the field of study
2. Lifelong Learning
2.1 Learn Independently
2.2 Locate, Extract, synthesize and utilize information effectively
2.3 Be intellectual engaged
3. Thinking and Problem Solving skills
3.1 Think critically and creatively
3.2 Define and analyze problems to arrive at effective solutions
4. Communication Skills
4.1 Communicate appropriately in various settings and modes
5. Interpersonal Skills
5.1 Understand team dynamics and mobilize the power of teams
5.2 Understand and assume leadership
6. Intrapersonal Skills
6.1 Manage oneself and be self –reliant
6.2 Reflection one’s action and learning
6.3 Embody Taylor’s core values
7. Citizenship and Global Perspectives
7.1 Be aware of and form opinions from diverse perspectives
7.2 Understand the value of civic responsibility and community
engagement
8. Digital Literacy
8.1 Effective use of ICT and related technology

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GRADING SCHEME Extracted from FID Programme Guide 2016
Grade Marks
Grade
Points
Definition Description
A 80 – 100 4.00 Excellent
Evidence of original thinking; demonstrated outstanding
capacity to apply, analyze synthesize and evaluate
information; outstanding grasp of subject matter;
evidence of outstanding command of relevant knowledge base.
A- 75 – 79 3.67 Very Good
Evidence of some original thinking; demonstrated very
good capacity to apply, analyze, synthesize and
evaluate information; very good grasp of subject matter;
and evidence of very good command of relevant knowledge base.
B+ 70 – 74 3.33
Good
Demonstrate good capacity to apply, analyze,
synthesize and evaluate information, good grasp of
subject matter, and evidence of good command of relevant knowledge
base.B 65 – 69 3.00
B- 60 – 64 2.67
Pass
Demonstrate adequate capacity to apply, analyze and
synthesize information, adequate grasp of subject
matter, and evidence of adequate command of relevant knowledge
base.
C+ 55 – 59 2.33
C 50 – 54 2.00
D+ 47 – 49 1.67
Marginal Fail
Demonstrate inadequate capacity to apply and analyze
information, insufficient grasp of subject matter, and
evidence of limited command of relevant knowledgebase.
D 44 – 46 1.33
D- 40 – 43 1.00
F 0 – 39 0.00 Fail
Demonstrated very weak capacity to apply and analyze
information, very weak grasp of subject matter, and
evidence of very weak command of relevant knowledge base.
WD - - Withdrawn
Withdrawn from a module before census date, typically mid semester.
F(W) 0 0.00 Fail
Withdrawn from a module after census date, typically mid semester.
IN - - Incomplete
An interim notation given for a module where a student
has not completed certain requirements with valid
reason or it is not possible to finalize the grade by the published
deadline.
IP - - In Progress
An interim notation used for a module which continued for
more than one semester. An "IP" grade carries with it no credit or grade
until a regular grade is assigned.
P - - Pass
Given for satisfactory completion of a non-graded module.
Note: Non-graded module is module that is ‘graded’ with
‘pass’ or ‘fail’ without any grades such as Grade A, B C or D.
AU - - Audit
Given for a module where attendance is for information only without
earning academic credit.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Students must attend all lecture and tutorial sessions in class and constantly show learning
progress until the week of deadline. Students failing to meet this requirement will face a penalty of
mark percentage deduction. Absence from class requires a legitimate medical certificate or
consent letter from parent or guardian. To avoid being barred from submitting the Final
Assessment or sit for Final Examination, 80% of class attendance is required.
Assignment Submission
Assignments must be submitted on the due date in any format/manner set by the module lecturer.
Assignments can be submitted before the due date outside of class with the prior agreement of the
lecturer.
Late Assignments / Extensions
Work that is submitted after the due date set by the lecturer will result in 2 marks being deducted
every subsequent day. Deduction applies on weekdays and Saturday. No work will be accepted
after one week of delay from the deadline given, unless the student has valid reasons with
supportive documents.
Extensions can only be granted if the student can show adequate progress towards completion of
the assessment and there are extenuating circumstances preventing him/her from delivering the
assessment on the due date.
In the case of a request of an extension due to medical circumstances, the student must produce
an original medical certificate. The lecturer will only give extensions for a total amount of time not
exceeding the equivalent number of days the medical certificate considered valid.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a breach of intellectual property; the act of using or copying someone else’s idea or
work and trying to present it as one’s own. It is taking and using someone else’s work without
proper attribution.
Intellectual Property involves:
• Another person’s idea, opinion, or theory
• Any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings—any pieces of information—that are not common
knowledge
• Quotations of another person’s actual spoken or written words
• Paraphrase of another person’s spoken or written words
Issues of intellectual property extend beyond the written word of course. Bear in mind that the use
of still images, moving images, audio or any other content which is not created by oneself, and
which one does not have the appropriate permission to use, is a serious offence resulting in a
FAIL grade for the module.
Using Internet Sources
The World Wide Web has become a popular source of information for academic papers, and
many questions have arisen about how to avoid plagiarizing these sources. In most cases, the
same rules apply as for a printed source: when one refers to ideas or quote from a WWW site,
one must cite that source.
If one wants to use visual information from a WWW site, many of the same rules apply. Copying
visual information or graphics from a WWW site (or from a printed source) onto paper is very
similar to quoting information, and the source of the visual information or graphic must be cited.
These rules also apply to other uses of textual or visual information from WWW sites.
* Note: This module outline is subject to change with short notice.

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Module Coordinator: Charles Sharma Naidu
Date:
FID Programme Director: Ms Yip Jinchi
Date:
TDS Deputy Dean: Mr Ernesto Carlos Pujazon
Date: