This course will introduce students to the discipline of ethnomusicology, with particular attention to the nature of ethnographic research and writing on music. It will examine how and why people make music across different cultural contexts, focusing on the themes of identity, tradition, and activism. Students will learn about ethnomusicological theories and methods through reading, writing, discussion, participatory performance activities, and an independent research project. In addition to case studies of musical practices from around the world, the course will examine the changing relationships between ethnomusicologists and the musicians and communities with whom they work.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate understanding of the theoretical and methodological approaches of ethnomusicological research;
- apply these approaches to pursue knowledge about different musical cultures;
- situate particular musical sounds in their social, historical, and cultural contexts; and
- explain some of the factors that motivate artists to perform and/or compose in particular ways.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
Students complete a significant research project
Indicative Assessment
- Six short assignments, 250 words each (6 x 5%) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Ethnographic portfolio, 1000 words (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Ethnography Project Plan, 1500-2000 words (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Group Project Presentation, 10 minutes (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks consisting of lectures, tutorials and other activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Available on Wattle
Preliminary Reading
Rice, Timothy. 2013. Ethnomusicology: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press.
Barz, Gregory, and Timothy Cooley. 2008. Shadows in the Field: New Perspectives for Fieldwork in Ethnomusicology. New York: Oxford University Press.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 12
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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