This class introduces students to fieldwork and ethnographic
research through reading, conversation, imagination, and practice.
It is designed with an optimistic attitude of integrating the best
of ethnographic history, theory, and practice. Our texts include
readings on ethnographic theory; methods and practical guidebooks
from ethnomusicology as well as from anthropology and folklore;
newer orientations which question the most fundamental aspects of
ethnographic research as it has been conceived and practiced; and
selections from musical ethnographies.

The class will consist of lecture and discussion (primarily the
latter).  A fieldwork project, carried out through written
and "practice" assignments, provides practical fieldwork and writing
experience.  Short written assignments are geared to course readings
and to stages/components of an individualized field project.  Short
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 Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology but is open
to graduate students in other fields who wish to learn more about
ethnographic theories and practices; our emphasis will be
on “qualitative” research. This section of F523 fulfills one of
the "core course requirements" for Ph.D. minors in the
Ethnomusicology Program and for Music School cognates.