Online
Introduction
Participation in the creative arts has been shown to afford a wide range of benefits to mental health and wellbeing for young and old. This unit explores ways in which the creative arts and play can be used therapeutically to support and enhance mental wellbeing for children, adolescents and younger people. It explores particular challenges associated with life events, neurodiversity, or for those who are from minority or marginalised groups. A framework derived from principles of trauma-informed practice is used to inform critical evaluation of complex issues, and to consider appropriate and effective design of creative arts and play-based activities in a variety of scenarios. You will have opportunities to explore your own creativity and gain practical insight into different roles in the therapeutic arts, and to explore your own interests by conducting individual research that will deepen your understanding of the potential of creative arts and play for supporting aspects of the mental wellbeing of a specific cohort.
Summary
| Unit name | Creative Arts, Play and Mental Wellbeing |
| Unit code | FXA303 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Arts and Society Creative and Performing Arts |
| Discipline | Arts |
| Coordinator | Associate Professor Anne-Marie Forbes |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 21/2/2027 | 15/3/2027 | 18/4/2027 | 12/6/2027 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse and reflect critically on forms of creative work and play and effects on mental wellbeing and self-management of emotions
- Synthesise interdisciplinary knowledge, research skills and cultural awareness, and principles of trauma-informed care to evaluate arts programmes intended to enhance mental wellbeing.
- Analyse complex societal scenarios and identify problems, proposing creative arts-based solutions supporting mental wellbeing
- Communicate effectively to general and specialist audiences demonstrating creativity and interdisciplinary understandings of the effects of participatory creative arts and play on mental health and wellbeing.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Online learning materials with Zoom webinars, tutorials and discussion boards (4hrs weekly) with additional self-directed learning |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Online Quiz 1 (5%)|Online quiz 2 (5%)|Peer Learning and Discussion (10%)|Puppet as Research Response (35%)|Essay (45%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.