Syllabus for PSYC 138: Sound and Music Perception, UCSD Spring 2012
Mondays 5:00-7:50 PM in McGill 1350
Office hours: Mondays 4:15-5 PM and 7:50-8:50 PM by appointment
Instructor: Kevin Dooley
Email: kdooley@ucsd.edu
Class web page: http://dooleykevin.com/psyc138.html
Overview
In this course we will explore facts, theories, and questions in the field of music psychology,
starting with basic aspects of perception and psychoacoustics, then building up to such complex
and unresolved topics as the applications, emotional effects, and origins of music. In parallel, the
class will progress from lectures and sound demos to include more student discussions,
presentations, and musical excerpts, so be prepared to participate often! Some basic experience
or training in music is assumed; interest and curiosity are a must.
Schedule (subject to change)
4/2
Introduction, Pitch, Timbre, Harmony
4/9
Consonance & Dissonance, Grouping Mechanisms & Illusions
4/16 Test 1 (includes readings 1- 2), special topics
4/23 Pitch Memory, AP, Earworms
4/30 Music & Language
5/7
Music & Emotion, Social Psychology of Music
5/14 Test 2 (includes readings 3-6), special topics
5/21 Origins of Music, Music Therapy
5/28 (Memorial Day, no class)
6/4
Presentations
6/13 (Wednesday, 7-10 PM) Final!
Grading
100 Points (90-100= A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C, 60-69=D, ≤59=F)
2 Tests (multiple choice, scantron)- 20 points each
2 Presentations- 10 points each
Participation: 10 points
1 Cumulative Final- 30 points (scantron)
Up to 3 points extra credit for participation in experimetrix: https://experimetrix2.com/UCSD/
Occasional opportunities for extra credit in class
Consistent participation in class will help borderline grades!
Required Reading
Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks
Weekly article (links for each reading on website)
Presentation 1: Related research article of your choice
Presentation 2: the book you choose from the list of suggestions
*Other short readings may be announced in class*
Suggested additional resources
The Psychology of Music, 2nd edition, by Diana Deutsch
Musical Illusions and Paradoxes and Phantom Words, and Other Curiosities, by Diana Deutsch
See website for links to other resources
PSYC 138 Presentation Guidelines
Presentation 1: Choose any research article detailing a study relating to music
psychology and discuss the article with the class. In about 5-10 minutes, summarize the
question, purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of the study. Most importantly,
include your response & critique; was the study convincing and well designed? If not,
what should be done differently, or if so, what can we learn from the findings and how
can we apply them? What follow-up studies would you suggest? Some typical journal
sources include specialty publications like Music Perception and Journal of the
Acoustical Society of America, and mainstream publications like Science and Nature.
For a more extensive list, see:
http://www.uni-graz.at/richard.parncutt/musicpsychology.html
Presentation dates: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21 (see sign up sheet to choose your date)
Presentation 2: Bringing back the book report! In groups of 3, choose one of the
popular music psychology books from the list; read it and discuss amongst your group;
and present a brief summary & critique to the class (≈10 minutes including questions).
Items to include: What were the main points of the book? How does it relate to material
covered in class? What were some of the most interesting specific examples? Would
you recommend the book, either for theoretical interest or for practical application? As a
reader, how would you rate it overall (and why), from ‘everyone taking music
psychology should be required to read this book’ to ‘don’t ever make anyone read this,’
and what could have made it better?
Presentation date: 6/4 (see sign up sheet to choose your book/group)
General info: worth 10 points each based on content, understanding, clarity, and
engagement. How you present is up to you; feel free to use powerpoint, lecture, posters,
videos, or interpretive dance.