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Overview

This module will introduce students to the relatively new research field of neuroaesthetics. The module will focus on four main topics (Art, Music, Dance, and Literature), from both a cognitive neuroscience and an applied perspective. Each topic will be discussed for two weeks: The first week will focus on laboratory based studies investigating the impact of art/music/dance/literature on the general population, and will introduce students to online data-collection methods such as eyetracking, EEG, and fMRI. The second week will focus on applied research, and will outline different therapies currently used with specific populations. The aim of these lectures is to introduce students to different research methodologies and perspectives, and to highlight some of the key benefits and challenges of cross-disciplinary research.

In addition to the lectures, which will provide students with an overview of each topic, and will introduce different data-collection methods, students will attend weekly seminars. During these seminars, students will discuss and critically evaluate set research papers. The aim of these seminars is to develop students’ communication skills, and encourage students to evaluate and appreciate different research methodologies and perspectives.

The module will focus on four main topics (Art, Music, Dance, and Literature), from both a cognitive neuroscience and an applied perspective. Each topic will be discussed for two weeks: The first week will focus on laboratory based studies investigating the impact of art/music/dance/literature on the general population, and will introduce students to online data-collection methods such as eyetracking, EEG, and fMRI. The second week will focus on applied research, and will outline different therapies currently used with specific populations.

Assessment Strategy

Excellent (A- to A**) Excellent presentation of comprehensive knowledge about neuroaesthetics in a clear, concise, and accurate manner. Excellent understanding of the advantages and disadvantages associated with cross-disciplinary research. Excellent use of evidence to support the points made. Excellent oral presentation skills, demonstrating a clear understanding, independent work, and critical thinking. The paper’s main points were communicated clearly and effectively, and the ability to answer questions confidently was demonstrated. Excellent and logical development of critical arguments in written assignments, evidence of additional reading, and original interpretation. Excellent use of studies discussed in the seminars, as well as additional research, to support the points made. Excellent presentation of interesting and relevant research questions, demonstrating a true understanding of neuroaesthetics, and an excellent evaluation of the theoretical and practical applications of the field.

Good (B- to B+) Good presentation of strong knowledge about neuroaesthetics in a clear, concise, and accurate manner. Good understanding of the advantages and disadvantages associated with cross-disciplinary research. Good use of evidence to support the points made. Good oral presentation skills, demonstrating relatively clear understanding, independent work, and critical thinking. The paper’s main points were communicated clearly and effectively, and the ability to answer questions confidently was demonstrated.
Good and logical development of critical arguments in written assignments, evidence of additional reading, and original interpretation. Good use of studies discussed in the seminars, as well as additional research, to support the points made. Good presentation of interesting and relevant research questions, demonstrating a true understanding of neuroaesthetics, and a good evaluation of the theoretical and practical applications of the field.

Satisfactory (C- to C+) Satisfactory presentation of knowledge about neuroaesthetics in a relatively clear manner, but with a few inaccuracies.
Satisfactory understanding of the advantages and disadvantages associated with cross-disciplinary research. Satisfactory use of evidence to support the points made. Satisfactory oral presentation skills, demonstrating an understanding of the main elements of the subject area, but with very little critical thinking. Some of the paper’s main points were presented, and the ability to answer questions confidently was demonstrated.
Satisfactory development of critical arguments in written assignments, however the arguments presented lacked coherence. Satisfactory use of studies discussed in the seminars to support the points made, but very little evidence of additional reading.
Satisfactory presentation of interesting and relevant research questions, demonstrating some understanding of neuroaesthetics, and a satisfactory evaluation of the theoretical and practical applications of the field.

Poor (D- to D+) Knowledge of key principles only. Many errors and weaknesses in terms of presentation and accuracy. A little understanding of the advantages and disadvantages associated with cross-disciplinary research. Little use of evidence to support the points made. Poor oral presentation skills, demonstrating a little knowledge of the main elements of the subject area. Some of the paper’s main points were presented, but there were many errors. The ability to answer some questions was demonstrated.
Arguments were presented in written assignments, but they did not flow, and there was no evidence of original interpretation nor critical thinking. Very little use of evidence to support the points made, and little evidence of additional reading. Relatively interesting and relevant research questions were presented, but lacked a firm understanding of neuroaesthetics. No evaluation of the theoretical and practical applications of the field.

Learning Outcomes

• Communicate the key points of a research paper effectively.

• Critically evaluate current research in the field of neuroaesthetics.

• Differentiate between, and appreciate, the value of clinical and statistical significance

• Propose interesting and relevant research questions.

• Understand some of the benefits and challenges of cross disciplinary research.