course-details-portlet

MUSV1013 - Ethnomusicology

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Assignment
Grade: Letters

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
Oppgave 50/100 6 weeks
Oppgave 50/100 6 weeks

Course content

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.

Learning outcome

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

Learning methods and activities

This course will consist of lectures. 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.

Compulsory assignments

  • Satisfactory participation in compulsory instruction

Further on evaluation

Students are required to submit two semester essays. One will be due half way through the semester, the second at the end of the course. Each essay should be 8-10 pages long, with font size 12, line spacing 1.5.

If the course is not passed, the student must only retake the part of the assessment that was not passed. If the candidate retakes the exam, there is no need to retake the compulsory assignments.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Musicology (BMUSV)

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to the Bachelor's programme in Musicology.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
MUSV1033 7.5
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Foundation courses, level I

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  SPRING 2020

Language of instruction: English

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Musicology
Contact information
Course coordinator: Lecturer(s):

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Music

Examination

Examination arrangement: Assignment

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Spring ORD Oppgave 50/100

Release
2020-01-20

Submission
2020-03-02


12:00


12:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Spring ORD Oppgave 50/100

Release
2020-03-30

Submission
2020-05-11


12:00


12:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

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