MUSC 478

MUSC 478: International Intersections of Diversity and Music Therapy 

Prerequisites: Music therapy major with upper level standing, MUSC 184, 222, & 226, or by permission of instructor

Credit Hours: (2)

This course is designed to build upon the foundations within Context-oriented Thinking as well as make connections from other courses in the curriculum. This course will focus on international perspectives of music therapy and the globalization of the profession. Students will learn about international music therapy practices by integrating concepts such as culture, ethnicity, acculturation, identity development, and social justice. Future goals for this course will be to have international field experiences allowing students to experience music therapy practices as they unfold amongst international populations that reside in the New River Valley and globally. 
 

Detailed Description of Course Content

• Review Context-oriented thinking: philosophies, definitions and scope of practice
• Outline the role of culture in music therapy
• Evaluate cultural situatedness and the impact it has on client/therapist relationships
• Recognize and address transference/countertransference and engage in self-awareness practices and coping skills
• Be exposed to international music therapy practices via guest lectures, field studies, and/or travel
• Understand and implement culturally responsive music therapy practices
• Understand multicultural theories and research
• Development and implementation of culturally-sensitive, music-based interventions

 

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course may include the following instructional strategies: field-study, lecture, cooperative/group learning, demonstrations, case studies, writing-to-learn activities, oral communication activities, guest speakers, and student generated materials.


 
Goals and Objectives of the Course

The following professional competencies as outlined by the American Music Therapy Association will be addressed in this course.

Emphasize and Master:

• Recognize the impact of one's own feelings, attitudes, and actions on the client and the therapy process
• Demonstrate awareness of the influence of race, ethnicity, language, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation on the therapeutic process
• Philosophical, psychological, physiological, and sociological basis of music as therapy.
• Select and implement effective culturally-based methods for assessing the client’s strengths, needs, musical preferences, level of musical functioning, and development
• Develop and maintain a repertoire of music for age, culture, and stylistic differences
• Interpret and adhere to the AMTA Code of Ethics
• Express thoughts and personal feelings in a consistently constructive manner
• Demonstrate critical self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
• Demonstrate knowledge of and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds
• Treat all persons with dignity and respect, regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, language, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation
• Demonstrate skill in working with culturally diverse populations
• Adhere to all laws and regulations regarding the human rights of clients, including confidentiality 

 

Assessment Measures

Quizzes on readings, oral-presentations, papers, reflective journals, development of culturally responsive music therapy interventions, learn and perform music from different cultures
 

Other Course Information

 

Review and Approval

April, 2019