Ethnic Music Theory – ETHM 500
CG • Section 8WK • 07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
The study of non-Western theories of music, with an emphasis on both existing systems of art and folk music as well as systems without an articulated theory.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
Music is not a universal language. It is a universal expression. This course provides the basis for understanding select music systems that do not equate to Western theoretical structures of pitch, rhythm, or form. This provides the student with foundational understanding of the transcription and analysis of music. This can assist the musician in dealing with issues of contextualization in non-Western ethnic cultures.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (2)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, there will be 2 regular Discussions throughout this course. The student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided topic for each discussion. Each thread must be a minimum of 250 words and must integrate information drawn from experience and course-related information (books, articles, and presentations). In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be a minimum of 100 words. Support any references to sources with citations. (A, B)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, for this Discussion, the student will provide three threads in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be a minimum of 250 words and must integrate information drawn from course-related information on the analysis of West African music. The student is also required to provide replies to two of his/her classmates’ threads. Each reply must be a minimum of 100 words.
Summary Paper Assignments (2)
The student will compose two 3-page Summary Papers. Summary Papers are responses to assigned weekly readings. (B, C, D)
Composition Assignments (4)
The student will compose, improvise, or realize music within the theoretical system of 4 different cultures. (A, B, C)
Final Project Assignment
The student will write a 5-7 paged essay that will synthesize the initial theorizing and later case studies. The essay must be in current Turabian format and argue persuasively for a particular approach. (A, B, C, D)
