MUSI3691: Advanced Ethnomusicology

• MUSI1251 Introduction to Ethnomusicology

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• To examine 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 module critically examines existing research in ethnomusicology, allowing students to build on core research skills developed at Level 1 and Level 2.

• 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 interaction (including Diasporic communities and globalisation); the symbolism, morphology and ergonomics of musical instruments; studies of ancient non-Western music (historical ethnomusicology); the selection and training of musicians (also addressing the acquisition of improvisation skills); 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.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Building on the Introduction to Ethnomusicology module, this module helps students develop a deeper knowledge of ethnomusicological theories and methods.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Ability to apply a wide variety of interdisciplinary theoretical approaches to music making, skills in identifying how people from other cultures interpret musical performance.
• Skills at describing music's salient features.
• 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.

Key Skills:

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

• Teaching occurs through a combination of lectures and seminars. The lectures involve the imparting of basic information about focal themes, names of key researchers, theories, and methods but also incorporate time for group discussion. The seminars, which take place in smaller groups, focus on student presentations relating to 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.

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