Rhodes University Ethnomusicology Programme
Ethnomusicology
(MCH 1 ET)
Music, culture & history: Ethnomusicology. Formerly known as Ethnomusicology 101 this half-credit, one semester course introduces students to the field of ethnomusicology as it surveys music cultures of the world. Emphasis is on characteristics and functions of music within each cultural context. MCH 1 ET is taught in the first semester. Lectures take place in the Music Department’s Beethoven Room onMondays at 8:40; Tuesdays at 9:35; Wednesdays at 10:30 and Thursdays at 11:25. Tutorial times will be confirmed at the first lecture. (From 2018 onwards students who pass MCH 1 ET and wish to deepen their knowledge of ethnomusicology can take Music, culture and history: Southern African Musics as a first or second-year level half credit one semester course that will survey the indigenous and popular musics of Southern Africa.)
Ethnomusicology students on a fieldtrip to the African Music Instruments Factory
Ethnomusicology 2
Semester 1 concentrates on readings in history of thought, theory and method in Ethnomusicology with emphasis on contemporary issues within the discipline. Semester 2 introduces students to Applied Ethnomusicology and includes a community outreach component. (Ethnomusicology 2/3 may be a combined course with Ethnomusicology 2 content being taught alternatively with Ethnomusicology 3 from one year to the next).
Ethnomusicology student with a local fieldworker in Keiskammahoek
Ethnomusicology 3
Semester 1 concentrates on readings in field research methods, writing of field-notes and interviewing techniques, to include hands-on use of video and audio recording equipment and preparation of a fieldwork project proposal. Semester 2 involves execution of the fieldwork project and write-up of results. Special modules on areas of interest in cultural analysis may be incorporated. (Ethnomusicology 2/3 may be a combined course with Ethnomusicology 3 content being taught alternatively with Ethnomusicology 2 from one year to the next).
Ethnomusicology student recording a performance in Keiskammahoek
For more details visit http://www.ntabakandoda.org.za
Ethnomusicology students cataloguing data at ILAM
Ethnomusicology 4 (honours paper)
Semester 1 is a readings seminar with a focus on contemporary theory in Ethnomusicology and Cultural Studies. Students begin work on a chosen research project which culminates in preparation of an extended essay based on the research project in Semester 2.