Theory and Methods of Ethnomusicology

Objectives

The learning outcomes of the curricular unit of Ethnomusicology: Theory and Method will show that the learners:
- Will understand how to properly deal with theoretical and methodological concepts of Ethnomusicology to apply in current fieldwork extramural research situations;
- Will be able to discuss among peers, and with selected senior researchers, broad thematic issues of current research (of social and academic interest) to propose focused themes to problematize;
- Will know how to identify fieldwork scenarios in which to individually perform research questions and test research hypothesis, in preliminary field contacts;
- Can properly test methodological details in the field to problematize theoretical ideas proposed and emergent in the collaborative research;
- Can reliably present emergent designed research proposals, orally and in written format, to develop in the following semester.

General characterization

Code

01100441

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Maria São José Corte-Real Gonçalves Ferraz de Oliveira Soeiro Carvalho

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 168

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

N/A

Bibliography

  • Kirshenblatt-Gimblet,B.(2004).Intangible Heritage as Metacultural Production. Museum International 56,52-65.
  • Lassiter, L. E.(2021). Collaborative Ethnography: Trends, Developments, and Opportunities. In B. Diamond & S.Castelo Branco(Eds.),Transforming Ethnomusicology(25-42). Oxford University Press.
  • Lundberg,D.(2010). Music as identity marker: individual vs. collective. M.S.J. Côrte-Real (Ed.) Music and Migration, Migrações 7,29-44.
  • Santo, M. E.,& Côrte-Real, M.S.J.(2022). Women, Fado and Cante Heritage: strengthening resilience in Portuguese civil society. In R.Tsurtsumia (Ed),Women's Role in UNESCO-Recognized European Traditional Singing Practices(pp.282-300).UNESCO.
  • Seeger, A. (2021). Changing Praxis and Ethical Practice: Lessons for Ethnomusicology from Applied Anthropology. In B.Diamond &S.Castelo Branco (Eds.), Transforming Ethnomusicology(pp. 25-42).Oxford University Press.
  • Schippers, H., & Seeger, A. (Eds.).(2022). Music, Communities, Sustainability.Oxford University Press.

Teaching method

The teaching and learning methodology is active and collaborative and student-centered. It emphasizes the interaction between theory and method in Ethnomusicology, globally and in individual issues. After the introduction of concepts, authors and practices, guided, in2022/23, by the topics "performance" and "musical heritage", students propose, in groups, broad themes to problematize.
The written test scheduled mid-semester, consists on a free text based on a given structure, and on a reduced number of open questions.
Knowledge and problematizing ability are evaluated on the basis of the topics chosen, the topics produced in groups, and the individual issues.

Evaluation method

Continuous assessment - Final version of the written field research proposal(35%), Mid-term evaluation(35%), Oral presentation(30%)

Subject matter

Block 1. Topics, Themes and Problematizing issues
1.1. Ethnography of music
1.2. Theoretical and methodological aspects
1.3. Research contexts: collaboration and emergent/open design
1.4. Strategies for targeting research themes and issues
Block 2. Research Ideas, Questions and Hypotheses
2.1. Subject-centered musical ethnography; individual, object, event, idea
2.2. Interface musical ethnography: mobility and the urban environment
2.3. Research questions
2.4. Hypotheses to be tested
Block 3. Preliminary Filedwork
3.1 Contact with collaborators in the field
3.2. Feasibility and ethics
3.3 Observation and notes
3.4 Interviews and informal conversations
Block 4. Design and Display of the Research Proposal
4.1. Ideas from the themes
4.2. Questions from the problematizing issues
4.3. Testing specific aspects of the proposal in the field
4.4. Ethnographic experience, writing style, and oral presentation

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: