Music 486

MUSC 486: Psychology of Music II

Prerequisites: Senior standing

Credit Hours: (1)

Structured to establish an understanding of research methods for music therapy and music education. The remaining topics to be discussed include measurement and evaluation in music, learning theory and creativity.

Note(s): Required for all music therapy students and open to students in other curricula.
 

Detailed Description of Course

This course is designed to establish an understanding of research methods for music therapy, music education, and human performance problems.  The remaining topics to be discussed include measurement and evaluation in music, learning theory and creativity.  Time permitting, additional special topics in psychology of music will be covered.
 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The class is a combination of lecture and interactive discussion.  Numerous print, video, and web sources will be explored and discussed, many through the D2L system.
 

Student Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon completion of MUSC 486, students will:
 
• have a functional knowledge and ability concerning basic rudimentary research methodology with regard to the various effects of music on human behavior and learning
• have a working knowledge of selected statistical instruments suitable for experimental research in music
• gain practical experience in observation, evaluation, and reliability computation of music events and phenomena
• produce a formal research project in a format that might  be found in the professional research journals relating to the fields of music, education, therapy, and psychology
• examine and understand the nature, measurement, and evaluation of music ability and aptitude
• examine and understand selected learning theories with application to music
• gain a basic functional understanding the nature of creativity
 

Assessment Measures

Three exams on class lectures/discussions/presentations and reading assignments @ 20% each. (60% total)
Formal Research Project (30% total)
Class participation, promptness of all small assignments  (10%)
 

Other Course Information

None
 

Review and Approval

Revised 2013

June 4, 2012