Psychology 249MU - Topics in Perception and Cognition: 'Language, Music and the Mind'

This course explores the interplay between language, music and cognitive skills. For centuries, questions about the relationship between language and music have been asked by philosophers, artists, and scientists. Is music a language and is language a music? What is the evolutionary value of language and music? What are the formal characteristics that are shared between the two? What happens in the human mind when language or music breaks down? How can we design interdisciplinary studies to look into language and music? While no prior music education is required, the course will provide a comprehensive overview that bridges gaps between linguistics, music theory, and cognitive science.

Prereq: PSYCH-100 or AP Psychology.