PSY 204 - Psychology of Music

Music is a practice found in every human culture, and society invests enormous resources in music making and music listening. This course examines the cognitive, social and biological basis of our ability to perceive, remember, appreciate and produce music. The course will examine selected empirical studies and review papers encompassing the evolutionary, developmental, social/personality and cognitive neuroscience approaches to understanding musical practice. The role of music within culture and its many uses and functions will be addressed. Finally, the method for answering musical questions will be delineated. Each student will be expected to carry out a small project as a means of answering one of their own musical curiosities. This course includes lab assignments involving listening exercises, data collection and analyses. A basic understanding of music may be helpful, but is not required.

Course Typically Offered Variable

Credits: 3