Selected Topics (435-0-1)

Topic

The Musical Self

Instructors

Diego Pinto

Meeting Info

RCMA Lower Level 111: Tues 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

In this seminar, we will explore how people's experiences with music and with others through music relate to their self-views—the perceived attributes and beliefs they have about themselves. Students will engage with key theories of the self commonly explored in music research, including social identity theory, self-determination theory, and attribution theory. Additionally, we will explore how other theories of the self less prevalent in music research (e.g., mindset theory, theory of independent and interdependent self-construals, self-compassion theory) might offer new and valuable insights to understanding human behavior in the context of music engagement.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, students should be able to:
• Describe key theories of the self, their respective cognitive, behavioral, and social underpinnings, and how they relate to music engagement and identity.
• Identify how theories of the self have been used in music research to understand, interpret, and predict human behavior in the music context.
• Apply theories of the self as frameworks to explain and predict real-world scenarios in music teaching and learning and music performance.
• Analyze how different theories conceptualize the self, identifying key similarities and differences in their underlying assumptions and subsequent implications for music research and creative activities.
• Evaluate the selection and application of theoretical frameworks in music research, demonstrating an understanding of how empirical theories inform research design, execution, and interpretation of results.
• Develop a final project that synthesizes and applies course concepts, either through a scholarly paper or a creative activity.

Class Materials (Required)

There are no required textbooks for this class. All readings will be available through Canvas.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration.