740-321 Theory and Method in Ethnomusicology

Availability

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

740-144 Music Cultures of Asia and the Pacific (or equivalent) and permission of co-ordinator.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

On completion of this subject students should have (1) a thorough understanding of the history and development of theory and methodology in the discipline of ethnomusicology (2) an understanding of the current and future directions of the discipline (3) knowledge of field work methodology and a variety of approaches to transcription and analysis (4) attained the research skills prerequisite to writing a thesis.

Topics covered include an introduction to the writings of the seminal scholars in ethnomusicology from the 19th century to the present day and to the key issues of ethnomusicological theory and methodology presented in those writings, including fieldwork methods, approaches to transcription and analysis, the ethnography of music, iconography and organology, ethical considerations and future directions in ethnomusicology.

Assessment

Two essays of at least 3000 words (50% each) one of which is to be presented as a 30 minute seminar paper during the semester.

Prescribed Texts

• Myers, H (ed), Ethnomusicology: An Introduction. London: The Macmillan Press 1992.
• Myers, H (ed), Ethnomusicology: Historical and Regional Studies. London: The Macmillan Press 1993.