Ethnomusicology

This course offers an introduction to the field of ethnomusicology. While ethnomusicology used to involve the study of music in distant parts of the world and oral traditions in the West, ethnomusicologists have in the last thirty years turned their attention to all forms of traditional, popular and classical musics. Today ethnomusicology is a dynamic interdisciplinary field practiced all over the world that seeks to understand music in its cultural, social and political context through ethnographic research methods. In this course, we will explore different aspects of the discipline from its origins in the early nineteenth century school of comparative musicology to its present day practice. We will trace theories and ideologies that have motivated ethnomusicological enquiry, such as salvage ethnography, diffusionism and cultural relativism. Another aspect of the course focuses on different research methods, such as participant-observation, transcription and bi-musicality. We will discuss the impact of postcolonial theory on the discipline, particularly the politics of writing ethnography and research ethics. Finally, we will explore important debates in the discipline, such as diaspora studies, music and media, and applied research.

Knowledge:

Students who complete this course successfully will have:
1. gained knowledge of the history of the discipline of ethnomusicology, the methods ethnomusicologists employ and the theories that have shaped the field
2. learned about specific musical artists, traditions and institutions around the world
3. deepened their understanding of important contemporary debates in the field of ethnomusicology

Skills:

Students who complete this course will have:
1. gained the ability to discuss ethnomusicological literature
2. developed their skills in critically analysing audio-visual material
3. deepened their expertise in presenting (both orally and in writing) original thoughts on current debates

This course will consist of obligatory lectures and seminars (minimum 80% attendance). Each lecture will be based on readings and audio-visual case studies. The lectures will also incorporate student discussions and group activities. It is expected that students will be prepared to discuss the set texts and their views on them at each lecture.