This course is an introduction to the theories and methods of ethnomusicology. Ethnomusicology is a discipline within music studies that focuses on the social and cultural contexts of music, especially in terms of how music fits in the fabric of people's day-to-day lives. For this reason, ethnomusicologists tend to emphasise fieldwork research. For example, participating in music events, talking and interacting with people, learning an instrument, and so on—in other words, doing things in the flesh and on the ground in order to better understand the cultures that we are learning about. Whether you’re interested in classical music, popular music, or traditional music cultures, this course will provide the tools for students to think like an ethnomusicologist. The course will cover a range of topics and themes that are important for understanding music in contemporary life, including issues like cultural heritage and sustainability, music and health, cultural appropriation, and the relationship of music to the environment, among others. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in some fieldwork research in Hong Kong.
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