Developing Creativity in Academic Reading and Writing Courses

Creative thinking and critical thinking were, for a long time, seen as distinct. Since the 1980s, this distinction has been challenged and it is now ognised that the two are closely connected. Indeed, critical thinking and creative thinking are regarded as highly desirable, if not essential, dispositions among undergraduates and employees. Significantly, creative thinking is recognised in publicity materials at International Christian University. However, the English for Liberal Arts (ELA) curricula and syllabi documents make little or no reference to creative thinking. We believe that this is an important oversight. This paper therefore outlines the need for the ELA to pay more explicit attention to fostering creativity among its students by developing a shared understanding of its meaning, by purposefully implementing classroom activities to enhance creative thinking, and by amending the curriculum and syllabus documents.