Module MUSI3691: Advanced Ethnomusicology

Department: Music

MUSI3691: Advanced Ethnomusicology

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To identify and explore the key themes and issues that have preoccupied ethnomusicologists from the late 19th Century to the present day, examining a wide range of key studies by influential researchers, and critically evaluating their theories, methods and findings. This module strives to foster open-mindedness and curiosity when engaging with unfamiliar cultures, rigorousness in documentation and analysis, a keen understanding of ethical responsibility, and a broader, deeper understanding of human cultural diversity.

Content

• This module explores 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 hybridity (including intercultural music making and music in Diasporic communities); applied ethnomusicology; the symbolism, morphology and ergonomics of musical instruments; studies of ancient non-Western music (historical ethnomusicology); learning methods; improvisation; and music as a reflection of and influence upon gender relations. Throughout the module, 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 module helps students develop a deeper, more nuanced knowledge of ethnomusicological theories, methods and findings.

• Ability to apply a wide variety of interdisciplinary theoretical approaches to music making in intellectually rigorous and creative ways, forging compelling, well-reasoned interpretations of musical culture practice.
• Skills at describing and interpreting musical processes and products within their broader sociocultural contexts.
• Skills at identifying and elucidating the many was that music intersects with, and complements, other aspects of people's lives.
• Skills at formulating and articulating well-reasoned personal viewpoints with precision and confidence.
• Skills at leading, following, and collaborating with others in group scenarios, particularly when preparing for and delivering seminar presentations.

• 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 introduce and explore essential concepts relating to specific focal themes, reviewing the theories, methods and findings of key researchers in the field. The seminars, which take place in smaller groups, focus on student presentations relating to certain themes addressed in the lectures. Assessment is through an essay, which relates directly to topics addressed in the lectures and seminars, encouraging 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 short oral presentations for the four seminars.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.