This course explores the relationship between music, health, and wellbeing across diverse social and cultural contexts. Students will examine how music is used to support social connection, emotional expression, and personal and collective resilience. Using perspectives from a range of disciplines, including ethnomusicology, psychology, and public health, we will investigate how different communities engage with music to enhance wellbeing and strengthen social bonds. Key topics include participatory music-making, cultural traditions of music and wellbeing, and contemporary applications in health promotion and community development. Through case studies, hands-on musical activities, and discussions, students will explore the role of music in social movements, ritual, and everyday life. By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper understanding of music’s role in shaping individual and collective wellbeing and develop insights into its application in community and social settings.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- analyse the role of music in promoting wellbeing across different social and cultural contexts;
- demonstrate an understanding of diverse disciplinary approaches to research on music and wellbeing;
- engage critically with case studies and real-world applications of music in wellbeing practices; and
- communicate and debate themes, concepts and theories with peers.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
The course integrates theory with practice. It includes a music outreach activity in a community setting and students will analyse real-world examples of music and wellbeing practice.
Indicative Assessment
- Participation (10) [LO 1,4]
- Presentation of Project Plan (10 minutes) (20) [LO 2,3,4]
- Written Reflection (1,000 words) (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Reflective Essay -- Music and Wellbeing in Everyday Life (2,500 words) (50) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks; and
b) 94 hours of independent studio practice and contextual research (reading and writing).
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Provided via Canvas.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 12
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.