This class introduces students to fieldwork in ethnomusicology
through reading, conversation, imagination, and practice.  It is
designed with an optimistic attitude of integrating the best of
ethnographic history, theory, and practice. The class will consist of
lecture and discussion (primarily the latter); we also will hold at
least two workshops outside of class (TBA; on topics such as the
basics of preparing funding proposals and on using various
technologies in fieldwork).

Readings and discussion will cover what the discipline has made
into "classics" as well as newer orientations which question the most
fundamental aspects of fieldwork as it has been conceived and
practiced.  Our texts include readings in "metatheory" and
intellectual history, practical guidebooks, and selected musical
ethnographies.  Apart from a Reader of articles, textbooks include
(tentatively): Ruth Finnegan, Oral Traditions and the Verbal Arts: A
Guide to Research Practices (1992); and John Van Maanen, Tales of the
Field (1988).

Written and "practice" assignments provide practical fieldwork and
professional writing experience.  Short written assignments are
geared to course readings and to stages/components of field project.
Final papers will be based on fieldwork; students will do in-class
presentations on their results. To facilitate collegial work, several
assignments will involve working with other class members to plan
research and improve written work (collaborative field projects are
permitted but not required).

The course is required for graduate students in the Ethnomusicology
track of the F&E Department.  This section of F523 fulfills one of
the "core course requirements" for Ph.D. minors in the
Ethnomusicology Program.