Topic for Fall 2025: Healing Minds and Bodies through Music

Certain kinds of music and sound can help alleviate stress and anxiety, promote wellness, and facilitate healing. Although this power has long been understood across different cultures it is central to Afro-Diasporic and South Asian philosophy and spiritual practices in particular. In response, researchers working in the areas of music (psychology, cognition, medical ethnomusicology, and therapy), medicine (neuroscience and psychiatry) and health (yoga) have recently begun to interrogate this idea. This upper-level seminar draws on research across the fields of music, medicine, and wellness to examine how music and sound engage the brain, body, and consciousness in making humans feel more balanced and connected to one another and their environments. Students will read widely across disciplines and participate in learning that is experiential and discussion based. Students will develop skills in meditation, critical reading, leading and developing discussion, and undertaking research/creative projects.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: MUS 100 or exemption via the Music Theory Placement Evaluation.

Distribution Requirements: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: This is a topics course and can be taken more than once for credit as long as the topic is different each time, with permission from the department.