Courses

Note: This course does not fulfill the math/science (LMSC) requirement. In this course, students develop quantitative and visual reasoning skills. Students also learn problem solving through applications in mathematics and finance. Computer technology assists in presenting material. This course introduces students to basic concepts of functions to prepare students for further study at Berklee. 

This course is a survey of acoustical phenomena relating to music production. The course gives an overview of the nature of sound waves and vibration, sound propagation and room acoustics, sound level and its measurement, and the human ear and perception of live and recorded music. Course material is directed toward the contemporary musician's need to understand acoustical phenomena in various contexts, with particular emphasis on performance, recording, and production contexts. This course will satisfy the Acoustics requirement for students majoring in contemporary writing and production or electronic production and design.

This course is a survey of acoustical phenomena relating to music. The course includes an overview of the nature of sound waves and vibration, sound propagation and room acoustics, sound level and its measurement, the human ear and perception, and tuning systems. Course material is directed toward the contemporary musician's need to understand acoustical phenomena in various contexts, including performance, writing, and music technology applications. 

This course includes the study of basic vibrating systems and sound sources; sound outdoors and indoors (waves, echoes, and reverberation); sound transmission and noise reduction; sound reinforcement systems; room acoustics and vibration isolation; hearing and psychoacoustics; and acoustics of musical instruments. Note: This course does not fulfill the acoustics requirement for CWPR students. 

This course is an overview of the technology of acoustic instruments. People have been creating instruments to make music for tens of thousands of years. As our understanding of acoustics, craftsmanship, and technology progress, those instruments have been continually refined to better express contemporary musical tastes and to ease playability. Applying a scientific perspective to the construction of acoustic instruments, students will learn about physical acoustics, material science, and mechanical design.

This course is designed to provide a scientific approach to issues of health and wellness necessary for the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. Topics such as nutrition, exercise, stress, sexuality, substance abuse, eating disorders, and the physical environment will be examined in the context of human physiology. Note: This course may be used to fulfill the natural science requirement.

In this course, students examine the interdisciplinary nature of the Earth's oceans. Students learn about the biological, chemical, physical, and geological aspects of the ocean. Students investigate the creatures that live in the ocean, including fish, marine mammals, and microscopic plants and animals. In addition, students examine waves, currents, and environmental aspects of the ocean, as well as the features of the sea floor. Through this course, students also explore the interaction between humans and the oceans, analyzing humanity's relationship with the sea.

Math/Science Topics courses enable students to choose from a variety of course topics that change each semester. Courses are designed to facilitate students' confidence in their mathematical and science abilities. Students will be encouraged to assess and analyze complex problems in a logical manner and to connect what they are learning to everyday life. Individual course descriptions are available to registering students at www.berklee.edu/liberal-arts.

In this course, students explore the major natural disasters seen on the Earth. Students investigate the likely location of different types of disasters, the potential impact on society, and whether different types of disasters can be predicted. Students also learn about earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods, landslides, asteroid impacts, and more. Students compare the potential dangers of different hazards, evaluate media reports on natural disasters, and assess legislation on natural disasters. In addition, students investigate the ways that humans interact with nature and affect these disasters.

Mathematics and science have transformed the physical world, our relationships to each other, and perhaps even a fundamental understanding of ourselves. But where do mathematical and scientific reasoning come from? And what do math and science have to do with truth? In this class we’ll look at some original texts that define modern-day science and math. We will critically examine the foundations of measurement and deductive reasoning, and deep assumptions regarding the nature of fact, reality, and truth.

In this course, students develop quantitative, graphic and verbal skills as they analyze data. Students learn to reduce data to its simplest and most representative expression, as well as to recognize data reduction and its implication and potential pitfalls. Students study the economics of the music industry in the United States and abroad. In addition, students learn to incorporate computer-enhanced data presentations into their own oral and written communications, and how to support research and experiments with data and statistics.