Course
Description
[under construction]
The term 'fieldwork' in ethnomusicology refers
to the gathering of primary source information related to one or more musical
events for analysis and interpretation. While the goal may seem simple, the process itself is highly complex and
involves personal relationships that are occasionally difficult and/or
unpredictable. Decisions about what
information to collect and how to document it most effectively require advance
planning and even fairly explicit ideas about how the results may be used
later. But, once the process is
underway, even the best-conceived plans often need to be changed. All things considered, there are so many
variables involved that some researchers question whether fieldwork can be
taught or learned at all, except through experience. In hopes of improving the students' odds for
success, this course provides:
a) an introduction to theories and methods relating to fieldwork in ethnomusicology,
b) training in the use of fieldwork equipment, and
c) guidance in completing an actual research project.
Readings
A series of selected articles from ethnomusicological and related journals as well as
selections from the following books:
Barz, F. G. & Cooley, T. J. (eds.)
(1997). Shadows in the Field: New Perspectives for fieldwork in Ethnomusicology.
New York:
Oxford University Press.
Herndon, M. & McLeod, N.
(1983). Field Manual for Ethnomusicology. Norwood: Norwood Editions.
Ives, E. (1980). The
Tape-Recorded Interview: A Manual for field workers in Folklore and Oral History.
Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press.
Jackson, B. (1987). Fieldwork.
Urbana: University of Illinois Press.
Post, J. C., Bucknum, R. M., & Sercombe, L. (1994). A Manual for Documentation Fieldwork and Preservation.
Bloomington:
The Society of Ethnomusicology.
Rabinow, P. (1977). Reflections
on Fieldwork in Morocco. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Shelemay, K. (1991). A Song
of Longing: An Ethiopian Journey. Urbana: University of Illinois Press.
Topics
_ Sound Recording - Photography - Video.
Concept-oriented technical instruction,
relating to specific problems faced while in the field.
_ The Fieldwork Experience
Arriving in 'the field' - History of trends in
fieldwork - Bi-musicality as a research strategy - Teachers
and 'informants' - Establishing and maintaining rapport.
_ Theoretical Perspectives; Ethical and Legal Issues.
Fieldwork, culture & ethnography - Genres / styles of ethnographic
writing - The
concept of reflexivity - Insiders and outsiders - Ethical and legal considerations; issues
of gender - Community service as a research strategy - Hypothetical problems and solutions.
_ Preliminary Preparations / Practical Matters.
Pre-field preparation; research design - Grant proposals; contracts and release
forms - Fieldwork technology.
_ Film Making as Musical Ethnography. Interviewing.
Critical discussion of ethnographic films - Camera angles, film editing, and the telling
of a story - Asking descriptive questions; analyzing ethnographic interviews.
_ Ethnographic Writing & Interpreting Music.
Straight-forward description - Self-presentation and literary tone - Other genres of ethnographic narrative -
Capturing a musical experience in prose.
_ The Role of Ethnomusicologists in the Transmission of the Music under Study.
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