Music Psychology

Subject 740-366 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 two-hour lecture per week
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: Offered as breadth and to BMus students: nil
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Katrina McFerran
Subject Overview:

This subject will encompass an initial exploration of music psychology research. Selected researchers within the field, including music therapists, behavioural neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, and experimental psychologists will outline recent and current practical research involving music across the lifespan. Information will be provided on the relationship between music and the brain, as well as music and the body. The development of musical skills at different life stages will be outlined, from birth to old age. Each seminar will incorporate didactic teaching paired with class discussion, followed up by weekly on-line quizzes and development of music research concepts.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • identify relevant research to a range of topics from a range of disciplines
  • present integrated summaries of relevant research studies
  • critically analyse research and varying theories pertinent to Music Psychology
Assessment: Weekly participation in web-based quiz/discussions (40%); 2000 word written assignment, due at the end of semester (60%).
Prescribed Texts: D Hodges, Handbook of Music Psychology, 2nd edn. IMR Press, 1996. A reading pack will be available for purchase from the Bookroom prior to the commencement of semester.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Biomedicine
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Environments
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject, students should have developed:

  • skills in accessing current research from international databases, web sites, journals and texts
  • the ability to analyse and critique literature and presentations
  • high level conceptual and applied skills.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music (Performance)
Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Teaching
Diploma in Music (Practical)
Diploma in Music (Practical)

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