MUSC 585
PSYCHOLOGY OF MUSIC

Catalog Entry

MUSC 585. Psychology of Music
Three hours lecture (3:3)

Prerequisites: Senior standing, BIOL322 and upper level standing as a Music Therapy major.

Science of sound and music including acoustics, the hearing anatomy, aesthetics, perception, evaluation and measurement of musical ability and achievement, research and statistical method in music. Required of all Music Therapy Majors and open to students in other curricula.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

Psychology of Music will emphasize the objective and scientific components of sound and music with their subsequent physiological, psychological, intellectual/cognitive, and social effects on the listener. The course will attempt to broaden one's view of music, both esoteric and concrete.

The following topics will be discussed in sequence:

acoustics and psychoacoustics, hearing anatomy, music and the brain/perception of music, evolution of organized music, effects of music on physiology psychological effects of music elements, psychological theories related to music and the arts, aesthetics and affect.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The class will be primarily lecture in format. However, by virtue of a major research project required of each student, significant class time will be devoted to discussion, question and answer, and group "trouble-shooting" when discussing research concerns.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

The Goals and Objectives are:

1. To gain an elementary, but working knowledge of acoustics and psycho acoustics.
2. To gain functional knowledge an the hearing anatomy.
3. To stimulate thinking about music and brain function/perception of music.
4. To increase understanding of efffect of music on physiology and function.
5. To gain practical knowledge of the psychological effects of the elements of music.
6. To become conversant with psychological theories related to music and the arts.
7. To investigate the nature of aesthetics and affect.

Students registered for graduate credit are expected to write a review of research literature on a topic contained in one of the Objectives of the course. A one-half hour class presentation of the principle points of the paper will also be required.

Assessment Measures

MUSC485:

• Three examinations at 25% each 75%
• Numerous short writing and reporting assignments, class participation 25%
• 100%

MUSC585 (for Graduate credit):

• Three examinations at 20% each 60%
• Numerous short writing and reporting assignments, class participation 20%
• Review of Literature paper and presentation 20%
• 100%

Other Course Information

Approval and Subsequent Reviews

DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
August 2001 Edited E. Fellin, Chairman