Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC PSYCHOLOGY
Code MUSI290
Coordinator Dr E Coutinho
Music
E.Coutinho@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2017-18 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

* To introduce and develop knowledge on a set of multidisciplinary topics related to the field of music psychology

* To allow students to gain an broad understanding of how music influences listeners and performers in everyday contexts, and what are the essential mechanisms and processes involved in different kinds of music-related activities

* To appraise existing scholarship in the field of music psychology and be able to argue how the theoretical and empirical issues are connected.

* To gain knowledge on research methods commonly utilised by music psychologists 
 

Learning Outcomes

Students will acquire general and specific knowledge about different topic areas in the multidisciplinary field of music psychology

Students will  become familiar with some important research areas of interest within psychology of music and their links to everyday life

Students will acquire specific knowledge about some types of research questions and research methods utilised by music psychologists
Students will be able to critically evaluate existing scholarship in the field of music psychology and be able to argue how the theoretical and empirical issues are connected.
Students will learn how to apply relevant knowledge to construct an argument focused upon answering contemporary questions within psychology of music.

Syllabus
1 

This module provides an introduction to core topics in contemporary music psychology, and requires attendance at a series of lectures and seminars offered by the Department of Music.

The lectures are organized thematically. Each, will provide an overview of pertinent key concepts, theories and recent research outputs related to a specific theme. Topics include: the evolutionary origins of musicality, music perception and cognition, musical development, music and the brain, ethics in research, the benefits of music training to other domains, music and emotion, music and the brain, and music in healthcare.

Lectures are intended to highlight issues that should be explored in “out of class” study time and via discussion in the seminars. 

In the seminars, students will have a chance to discuss set readings and empirical studies that explore the theoretical issues address in each lecture. The aim is to provide students with working knowledge on empirical methods used in music psychology. Most seminar sessions will be student-led discussions, and some will be focused on the preparation of the module''s assignments, 

Tutorials are available through normal office hours to discuss individual and group student work.

Independent study time should be spent reading around the subject matter (mandatory and suggested readings will be provided), preparing for the seminars (directed reading), and working towards the assessment.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - Lectures are organized thematically. Each lecture will introduce pertinent key areas, concepts and studies to the study of Music Psychology. They are intended to highlight issues that should be explored in “out of class” study time and via discussion in the seminars.

Seminar - In the seminars, students will have a chance to discuss set readings and empirical studies that explore the theoretical issues address in each lecture. Seminars are mainly student-led sessions, and the aim is to provide students with working knowledge on empirical methods and analysis tools.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24
Lectures are organized thematically. Each lecture will introduce pertinent key areas, concepts and studies to the study of Music Psychology. They are intended to highlight issues that should be explored in “out of class” study time and via discussion in the seminars.
12
In the seminars, students will have a chance to discuss set readings and empirical studies that explore the theoretical issues address in each lecture. Seminars are mainly student-led sessions, and the aim is to provide students with working knowledge on empirical methods and analysis tools.
        36
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  750 words  Week 6  15  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Annotated bibliography 
Coursework  (2500 words) or (10   Week 12  85  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Literature review and appraisal Notes (applying to all assessments) Assignment 1 will consist of writing an annotated bibliography on a topic chosen by the students. Assignment 2 will consist of conducting a literature review the same topic chosen for Assignment 1. This maybe take the form of a written document or an oral presentation (in this case a short written summary will also be required) 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: