Beyond Content: Fostering Creativity and Social and Emotional Learning in College Classrooms
Beyond Content is an interdisciplinary research cluster exploring how creativity and social and emotional learning (SEL) can support more inclusive, engaging, and emotionally responsive college classrooms. The cluster brings together faculty and staff across disciplines to examine teaching practices and creative approaches that support student voice, reflection, emotional expression, and meaningful learning. Its workshops and events also welcome students, creating opportunities for the broader SMU community to engage in these conversations and experiences.
Fall 2026
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. Central Time | Zoom (Online)
Fostering Empathy Through Art
With Pablo Ortiz de Zárate
How can looking at art change the way we see others—and ourselves? Looking closely at a work of art invites us to connect with the emotions of its characters and to consider experiences and perspectives beyond our own. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore selected works from the Meadows Museum collection, practice close observation, identify the emotions conveyed by the works, and reflect on personal responses to difficult experiences. Through guided observation and conversation, the workshop will consider how art can help us develop empathy and foster a more sensitive, humane, and compassionate way of connecting with others. Pablo Ortiz de Zárate is a journalist and art communicator with extensive experience communicating about art in the media and creating educational content for museums. His work explores the therapeutic benefits of observing art and how engaging deeply with works of art can help us understand and manage emotions, navigate challenging experiences, and support emotional well-being. This workshop will be conducted in English.
Join on Zoom
Learn more about Pablo and his work:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Palmer Conference Room, Caruth Building 406
Reflections About Poetry and Memory
With Federico Díaz Granados
In this talk, Federico Díaz Granados reflects on how poetry can transform forgetfulness into shared memory, pain into language, and loss into a possibility of meaning. Drawing on his latest book, Grietas de la luz, he explores the loss of memory through the intimate experience of Alzheimer’s endured by both of his grandmothers. Federico Díaz Granados is a poet, editor, and cultural commentator. He has published several poetry collections and is a regular contributor to Colombian newspapers and cultural publications. The talk will be in English and Spanish. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided. Free and open to the public.
Register here
Related event: As part of his visit, Federico Díaz Granados will also lead a Poetry Workshop in Spanish at The Wild Detectives on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. | The Wild Detectives, 314 W 8th St.
Monday, October 26, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. Central Time | Zoom (Online)
Art for Managing Stress and Anxiety
With Pablo Ortiz de Zárate. Additional workshop details forthcoming. Registration information forthcoming.
Monday, November 30, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. Central Time | Zoom (Online)
Art for Mental Well-Being and Attention
With Pablo Ortiz de Zárate. Additional workshop details forthcoming. Registration information forthcoming.
Questions? Contact Us
Dr. Mónica Fernández Martins — mfernandezdossantosm@smu.edu
Dr. Yuriko Ikeda — yikeda@smu.edu
Dr. María Pilar Melgarejo — mmelgarejoac@smu.edu
Sponsored by the "Beyond Content: Fostering Creativity and Social and Emotional Learning in College Classrooms" Research Cluster of the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute.