Engaging With The Humanities keeping the play promise

Thesis 1) Social play is the best context for learning . . . seen

Definition of Play 1. Play is self-chosen and self-directed; 2. Play is activity in

Thesis 2) Much of student life can be unplayful and solitary 1. I have

Thesis 2) Much of student life can be unplayful and solitary 1. 2. 3.

Thesis 3) you can make social play part of your intellectual style (even at

Those were the promises Let’s have a look at the module (Semester A)

Those were the promises Let’s have a look at the module (Semester B)

Those were the promises Let’s have a look at the module • It’s a

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Engaging With The Humanities: keeping the ‘play’ promise Dr Brendan Larvor www. herts. ac. uk/philosophy

Thesis 1) Social play is the best context for learning . . . seen here with serious Lego

Definition of Play 1. Play is self-chosen and self-directed; 2. Play is activity in which means are more valued than ends; 3. Play has structure, or rules, which are not dictated by physical necessity but emanate from the minds of the players; 4. Play is imaginative, non-literal, mentally removed in some way from “real” or “serious” life; and 5. Play involves an active, alert, but non-stressed frame of mind. Gray, Peter (2008) ‘The Value of Play I: The Definition of Play Provides Clues to Its Purposes’

Thesis 2) Much of student life can be unplayful and solitary 1. I have to write this essay 2. I must get a good degree 3. I must not write ‘I’ 4. I must be objective 5. $©¶Ξ this lecture is boring / test is hard!

Thesis 2) Much of student life can be unplayful and solitary 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Play is self-chosen and self-directed; Play is activity in which means are more valued than ends; Play has structure, or rules, which are not dictated by physical necessity but emanate from the minds of the players; Play is imaginative, non-literal, mentally removed in some way from “real” or “serious” life; and Play involves an active, alert, but nonstressed frame of mind. 1. I have to write this essay 2. I must get a good degree 3. I must not write ‘I’ 4. I must be objective 5. $©¶Ξ this lecture is boring / test is hard!

Thesis 3) you can make social play part of your intellectual style (even at university) Two history students look for the causes of the English Civil War

Those were the promises Let’s have a look at the module (Semester A)

Those were the promises Let’s have a look at the module (Semester B)

Those were the promises Let’s have a look at the module • It’s a lie! There’s no Lego here! • And there is an unmet need: • Students are required to deliver creative work, but get no help in developing their creativity. • What activities can we build in to encourage lateral thinking, creativity and mental spark?