Therapeutic Uses of Dance/Movement in Psychology
Provides an understanding of the inherent relationship between movement, dance and emotional expression. This course includes both didactic and experiential components that serve to promote students' awareness of body and movement expression as being intrinsic to the process of self-exploration, learning, creativity and therapy, and develop attunement skills that serve to expand and deepen individual or group experiencing and communication. Dance/Movement Therapy is introduced as an alternative therapeutic modality and examined in terms of its historical development, basic theoretical principles, professional training, ethical standards, and clinical methodology.
Intentional Use of Music and Sound in Health Psychology
The goal of this course is to help students develop skills and rationale for the selection of music/sound stimulation for intentional, therapeutic, self-care, and educational uses. Topics covered include the effects of music on physiological response (e.g. stimulative vs. sedative music affecting stress, relaxation, pain stimulation, immune factors, sleep); emotions, cognitive/intellectual development; self actualization; and creativity. Discussions, class demonstrations, and projects emphasize factors impacting selection, use, and outcome effectiveness of music/sound. Ethical issues for individual and group use, as well as cultural implications of music/sound, are also considered.
Psychology, Creativity, and Community
Examines the psychology of creativity from psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, existential, humanistic, and physiological theories. Following this, the practical application of creativity theories and research findings are applied to intellectual and emotional growth, community development, and arts production. Specific issues such as collaboration, identity, creative style, and moral/social responsibility are highlighted. Students are engaged throughout the class in the process of creativity through individual and group activities.