Module MUSI3691: Advanced Ethnomusicology

Department: Music

MUSI3691: Advanced Ethnomusicology

Prerequisites

• MUSI1251 Introduction to Ethnomusicology

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

• To examine critically texts by influential ethnomusicologists of the present and past, to isolate and explore themes and issues which have been of particular concern within the discipline, and to encourage well-informed evaluation of theories and methods. The course critically examines existing research in ethnomusicology, allowing students to build on core research skills developed at Level 1 and Level 2.

Content

• This module builds upon the ethnomusicological content of levels 1 and 2, exploring a very broad range of ethnomusicological scholarship, ranging from the work of early pioneers up to the present day. It examines researchers’ theories, methods, and findings on a theme-by-theme basis, covering diverse areas such as: the origins and early history of the discipline (including ‘comparative musicology’); non-Western theories of music and notation systems; traditional and experimental techniques of transcription and analysis; music as an expression of personal and group identity and as a political tool; anthropological perspectives on performance; studies of change, preservation, and musical culture interraction (including Diasporic communities and globalisation); styles and methods of ethnographic documentation; the symbolism, morphology and ergonomics of musical instruments; studies of ancient non-Western music (‘historical ethnomusicology’); improvisation in non-Western music; the selection and training of musicians (including processes of skill acquisition); and music as a reflection of and influence upon gender relations. Throughout the course, students address these areas through reference to general survey-type literature and case-studies of diverse musical forms. Through critical evaluation and comparison of sources, students are encouraged to formulate their own personal opinions regarding the limitations and advantages of ethnomusicological theories and approaches.

Learning Outcomes

• Building on the Introduction to Ethnomusicology module, this course helps students develop a deeper knowledge of ethnomusicological theories and methods. The course will also build upon the previously-acquired basic research skills in ways appropriate to research in ethnomusicology.

• Ability to apply a wide variety of interdisciplinary theoretical approaches to music making, skills in identifying how people from other cultures interpret musical performance, and skills at formulating and articulating well-reasoned personal viewpoints with confidence.

• To develop informed critical perspectives and key research skills including bibliographic search and critical evaluation of sources.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching occurs through a combination of lectures and seminars. The lectures involve the imparting of basic information about focal themes – dates, names of key researchers, theories, and methods – but also incorporate time for group discussion. The seminars focus on key readings relating to particular themes addressed in the lectures, with each student delivering a short presentation on a pertinent topic that they have researched in advance. Assessment is through essays, which relate directly to topics addressed in lectures and seminars, but which encourage the students to investigate more deeply, pursuing their own research pathways and establishing well-informed personal responses.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students are asked to prepare oral presentations, with accompanying notes and bibliography: these will serve as preparation for summative assignments. Feedback is given at tutorials.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University