Undergraduate - UnitPSY3240 - Psychology of Music

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Synopsis

Music psychology is the empirical study of how humans perceive and experience music, and the resulting impact on individual, group and cultural behaviour. This unit will encompass an introductory exploration of music psychology across the lifespan. Selected researchers within the field, including music therapists, behavioural neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, and experimental psychologists will outline contemporary research findings relating to the influence and processing of music from the womb and childhood, through adulthood.

Outcomes

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

1. critically analyse contemporary research conducted on the relationship of music and behaviour across the lifespan;
2. recognise various theories and research paradigms pertinent to Music Psychology;
3. demonstrate skills in written communication, and the use of modern information technologies, that are fostered in the core undergraduate psychology program, with particular emphasis on the relevance of these skills to the field of music psychology.

Assessment

Weekly web-based quizzes (20%); Group Assignment (40%); End-of-year Examination (40%).

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Nikki Rickard

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar (on-campus or audio-recorded), 2 hours of online tutorial activity per week and up to 8 hours private study (e.g., prescribed reading, preparation for assessments).

Prerequisites

Completion of the first year of any degree (48 points) at Monash University.

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/psych/course/ugrad/major-minor.html