This course will provide students with the frameworks, tools, and methods to stimulate creativity and innovative thinking in any work setting. It will help increase their capacity to work in and lead teams looking to foster a culture of innovation. Additionally, the course will help students embrace the philosophy of design thinking to solve day-to-day problems. The goal of the course is to help students discover their latent creative potential as well as learn specific techniques that foster creative problem solving. We will use a mix of self-assessment diagnostic tools, rich case studies, videos and experiential exercises, to delve into the minds of exceptionally creative individuals, both in historical settings (Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Edison) as well as modern successful entrepreneurs (Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk). In addition, students will learn about rapid prototyping and problem solving through application of the Design Thinking Methodology.

This course introduces students to the latest concepts and techniques used in digital marketing communications through new media channels made available through the Internet and wireless mobile devices.  The course explores such topics as online advertising, search engine optimization, Web analytics, mobile messaging, and the use of social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn for business marketing communications.  In addition, students will learn how and where to apply digital marketing communications tools in real-world business situations through case studies of “best practices” currently being used.  The course will be taught entirely online using Blackboard system tools.