Music and Culture – ETHM 411

Course Description

Students interact with people and music from different cultures and participate in an initial fieldwork experience and presentation of research. It provides a comprehensive overview of cultural traditions, belief systems, and practices of world cultures as approached through the study and analysis of the music of different ethnic groups.

Rationale

This is an introductory course in world music. It is required for all students making application to the MA in Ethnomusicology or the MA in Worship Studies (Ethnomusicology Specialization) degree programs if they have not had a similar course at the undergraduate level. This is a survey study designed to prepare students for 500-level graduate courses in ethnomusicology. It is also an elective course that gives non-musicians, missionary students, and other students the opportunity to examine the world of ethnomusicology.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings, Bible readings, articles, and presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1.

Discussions (4)

There will be three graded Discussions where students will post one original thread consisting of at least 250 words. At least two replies will be made to other students, each with a minimum of 150 words. The thread is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned module, and all replies are due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the same module.

Music Culture Summary: Hmong Music Assignment

In this first Music Culture Summary Assignment, you will view a video related to the music of the Hmong culture. Using the Music Culture Analysis form, you will answer questions about what you have learned about the Hmong.

Music Culture Summary Assignments (4)

Throughout the course, you will be tasked with summarizing the musical features of a particular culture based on your reading and viewing. Following the assignment instructions for each particular assignment, respond to the prompts by utilizing course-related knowledge, concepts, and terms.

Music Culture Comparison Assignments (2)

The Music Culture Comparison Assignments follow a similar format to the Music Culture Summaries. However, these assignments are specifically designed to draw similarities and distinctions of more than one music culture. The assignment instructions for each comparison will inform you of which cultures will be compared and what questions should be considered.

Final Project Assignment

This assignment comprises two parts:

• Interviewee Selection and Approval - due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module 4: Week 4
• Paper Submission - due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday of Module 8: Week 8

Please read the attached document for detailed instructions and the grading rubric.