The writings of L.S. Vygotsky continue to be a source of new ideas (inspiration) for people from many different disciplines, nearly ninety years after his death. The practical applications for education are myriad including preschool programs such as Tools of the Mind, Playworlds, and The Golden Key. Vygotskian concepts, such as the zone of proximal development, have also been applied throughout numerous curriculum programs, facilitating learning across the life-span and across disciplines. Yet, one very important aspect of his work remains relatively unknown, the development of creative imagination as a higher psychological function and its coordination with other higher psychological functions in psychological systems. This seminar consists of series of 90-minute ZOOM sessions with a presentation by a guest speaker followed by participant discussion. Selected readings will be available prior to each ZOOM session. Afterwards the discussions can continue via e-mail, and in mini- ZOOM sessions.
This video seminar allows a real time, ongoing, exchange of ideas among people interested in Vygotsky’s writings on imagination and creativity. In keeping with the spirit of cultural praxis, this format allows for an ongoing scholarly discourse among an international community who are participants (rather than an audience).
If you would like to join the seminars, contact Francine Smolucha at lsmolucha@hotmail.com
Schedule for Fall 2022 – Spring 2023
1. Shannon Brincat, “Imagination and International Relations” (Tuesday, October 18, 9am Pacific Time). The reading for this session is “The Imagination and International Relations,” co-authored by Caitlin Sparks, Shannon Brincat, and Tim Aistrope (2022).
2. Pretend Play in 3- and 4-year olds: Imagination at Workin a Real Pretend World by Gillian Mcnamee (Tuesday, November 15, 9am Pacific Time).
3. Framing: From Pretend Play to Social Movements (Tuesday, December 6, 9am Pacific Time).
4. Creative Collaborations hosted by Henry Shonerd, featuring Suki John as a Guest Speaker (Tuesday, January 10, 9am Pacific Time).
5. Cognitive Linguistics: The relationship between verbal and non-verbal thinking by Henry Shonerd (Tuesday, February 14, 9am Pacific Time)
6. Moral Imagination: Exploring the connections between moral metaphors, language, imagination, and culture. Featuring Mark Johnson as a Guest Speaker (Tuesday, March 14, 9am Pacific Time)