The Ethnography of Music

Subject MUSI30053 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 02-Mar-2015 to 31-May-2015
Assessment Period End 26-Jun-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 13-Mar-2015
Census Date 31-Mar-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 08-May-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 hours per week
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Some theoretical or practical acquaintance with music outside the western traditions

Non Allowed Subjects:
Subject
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Prof Catherine Falk

Contact

Catherine Falk

cafalk@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject is designed for students intending to undertake honours or graduate research based on musical ethnography. You will be introduced to some historical and contemporary models of ethnographic representation and writing, field work methods, and ethical issues in musical ethnography. Your learning will be based on readings, practical activities, contributions to seminar discussions and independent research in your area of musical interest

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject students should be able to

  • negotiate and assess the print and electronic literature in the discipline with confidence;
  • articulate the main issues involved in undertaking musical ethnography ;
  • demonstrate understanding of the ethics of scholarship in musical ethnography;
  • demonstrate understanding of different cultural and musical values;
  • demonstrate an understanding of scholarly writing appropriate to the discipline; and
  • conduct a literature review.
Assessment:
  • A critical assessment of two ethnographies of music (1500 words) - Week 6 (40%)

  • A 500 word ethnographic description of a performance of music in Melbourne - Week 9 (10%)

  • A rationale and a literature review for a research proposal (2000 words excluding bibliography/discography/filmography) - End of Semester (50%)

Prescribed Texts:

All readings will be available on the LMS prior to the commencement of semester

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students should be able to

  • negotiate and assess the print and electronic literature in the discipline with confidence;
  • articulate the main issues involved in undertaking musical ethnography;
  • demonstrate understanding of the ethics of scholarship in musical ethnography;
  • demonstrate understanding of different cultural and musical values; and
  • demonstrate an understanding of scholarly writing appropriate to the discipline; and conduct a literature review

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Academic Electives
Musicology/Ethnomusicology Major
Related Breadth Track(s): Music outside the western tradition

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