• Class Number 2891
  • Term Code 3230
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Mode of Delivery In Person
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Dr Bonnie McConnell
  • LECTURER
    • Dr Bonnie McConnell
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 21/02/2022
  • Class End Date 27/05/2022
  • Census Date 31/03/2022
  • Last Date to Enrol 28/02/2022
SELT Survey Results

This course will introduce students to the discipline of ethnomusicology, with particular attention to the nature of ethnographic research and writing on music. It will examine how and why people make music across different cultural contexts, focusing on the themes of identity, tradition, and activism. Students will learn about ethnomusicological theories and methods through reading, writing, discussion, participatory performance activities, and an independent research project. In addition to case studies of musical practices from around the world, the course will examine the changing relationships between ethnomusicologists and the musicians and communities with whom they work.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
  1. Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical and methodological approaches of ethnomusicological research;
  2. Apply these approaches to pursue knowledge about different musical cultures;
  3. Situate particular musical sounds in particular social, historical, and cultural contexts; and
  4. Explain some of the factors that motivate artists to perform and/or compose in particular ways.

Research-Led Teaching

This course develops students' research skills and understanding in the area of music ethnography. Course content includes presentations and workshops based on the convenor's ethnomusicological research.

Field Trips

The class will visit the Indonesian Embassy for a Balinese gamelan workshop, subject to COVID-19 restrictions and staff availability.

Additional Course Costs

In completing their research projects for this course, students may incur additional costs relating to transport or purchase of tickets for performance events. The specifics will depend upon the details of the student’s chosen project. 

Examination Material or equipment

Additional information about examination procedure is available here: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-conduct

Required Resources

It is recommended that student purchase the textbook Ethnomusicology: A Very Short Introduction (Timothy Rice, Oxford University Press). It is available through online retailers as an ebook or paperback (purchase here ). A limited number of copies are available on reserve in the Art and Music Library.


Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

  • Written comments ?
  • Verbal comments ?
  • Feedback to the whole class, to groups, and to individuals ?

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session Summary of Activities Assessment
1 Week 1 What is ethnomusicology?
2 Week 2 Defining music
3 Week 3 Ethnographic theory and method
4 Week 4 Ethnomusicology, history, and tradition
5 Week 5 Music, gender, and tradition in West Africa
6 Week 6 Music, identity, and place in Australia Project Plan Due Monday 4 pm
7 Week 7 Forging national identity through calypso and steelband in Trinidad
8 Week 8 Exploring gamelan music in Indonesia
9 Week 9 Chinese music (guest lecture with Dr Tsan-Huang Tsai)
10 Week 10 Approaches to applied ethnomusicology
11 Week 11 Applied ethnomusicology (cont.): Music, health, and wellbeing Ethnography paper Due Monday 4 pm
12 Week 12 Final reflection and review Final exam during exam period

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Value Due Date Return of assessment Learning Outcomes
Project Plan 10 % 28/03/2022 12/04/2022 1,2
Group Project Presentation 20 % * * 1,2,3,4
Ethnography Paper 30 % 16/05/2022 31/05/2022 1,2,3,4
Final Exam 30 % * * 1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Active participation is essential for this course. You should prepare for class meetings by completing the assigned readings and taking thorough notes. You are expected to actively contribute to discussions, small group activities, quizzes, and other in-class activities. In addition, you are expected to listen actively to other students’ ideas, and to respond constructively and thoughtfully.


Value: 10%

Assessment criteria: (See Assessment Rubric available on the course Wattle site)

  • Regular participation in discussion
  • Evidence of preparation
  • Evidence of engagement with others' ideas

Examination(s)

See Assessment Task 1

Assessment Task 1

Value: 10 %
Due Date: 28/03/2022
Return of Assessment: 12/04/2022
Learning Outcomes: 1,2

Project Plan

The project plan should describe the topic of your ethnography paper, research questions you plan to explore, and your intended methodological approach. It should include a bibliography of at least five academic sources. The minimum requirement for the ethnographic project is to carry out one interview and one observation of a music event (online or in person). These may be conducted together with the other members of your group or individually. In addition, you are expected to consult academic sources relevant to your chosen topic. You may choose to focus more on analysis of the music itself, or on the social, cultural, political, or religious meanings attached to that music.

Note: The ethnography paper is connected to your group ethnographic project, but the paper must be written individually.


Word count: 400 words

Value: 10%

Assessment criteria:

1. Quality and originality of research topic and questions

2. Demonstrated understanding of relevant research methods

3. Use of standard bibliographic formatting

4. Selection of relevant academic sources

Rubric

GradeLetterNumerical Mark (%)Standards

High Distinction

HD

80-100

Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Distinction

D

70-79

Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Credit

C

60-69

Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Pass

P

50-59

Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Fail

N

0-49

Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated

Assessment Task 2

Value: 20 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Group Project Presentation

The presentation should report on the findings of the group ethnographic project. The minimum requirement for the group ethnographic project is to carry out one interview and one observation of a music event (online or in person). In addition, you are expected to consult academic sources relevant to your chosen topic. You may choose to focus more on analysis of the music itself, or on the social, cultural, political, or religious meanings attached to that music. Groups are expected to meet with the instructor early in the semester to discuss the chosen topic.


Presentations will take place in weeks 7-12 of the semester. The presentation should include:

  • a brief live performance and/or an audio/video recording of the music you discuss
  • a participatory component (e.g. teach the class a song, ask questions to engage your audience)


Value: 20%

Presentation requirements: The presentation should be 20 minutes, and include a live performance and/or a recording of the music you discuss, as well as a participatory component. Within one week of the presentation, each group member must submit a written summary (~500 words) of the project activities. This should include a description of the interview(s) and observation(s) undertaken as part of the project, as well as a bibliography of academic sources consulted. In addition, the written summary must clearly outline and evaluate what each group member contributed to the project. (It is expected that all members of a group will contribute equally to the work of the project.)


Estimated return date: Within two weeks of date of presentation

Assessment Criteria:

1. Clarity and organisation of oral presentation

2. Evidence of an individual investigation, understanding and interpretation of existing scholarly enquiry

3. Quality of performance example (live or recorded)

4. Quality of participatory component

Rubric

GradeLetter GradeNumerical Mark (%)Standards

High Distinction

HD

80-100

Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Distinction

D

70-79

Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Credit

C

60-69

Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Pass

P

50-59

Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Assessment Task 3

Value: 30 %
Due Date: 16/05/2022
Return of Assessment: 31/05/2022
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Ethnography Paper

Draw on evidence from your group ethnographic research, as well as relevant academic sources, to investigate the significance of your chosen music in the lives of participants (i.e. musicians, composers, dancers, audience members, etc.). You may choose to focus more on analysis of the music itself, or on the social, cultural, political, or religious meanings attached to that music. You are encouraged to meet with the instructor early in the semester to discuss your chosen topic.

Note: The ethnography paper is connected to your group ethnographic project, but the paper must be written individually.


Word limit: 2000 words

Value: 30%

Presentation requirements: The paper should include a title, written discussion and analysis of the chosen case study, and a bibliography of at least five academic sources.

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of submission

Assessment Criteria:

  1. Application of theories and concepts from scholarship in ethnomusicology and/or related disciplines
  2. Ideas supported with evidence from fieldwork and relevant scholarship
  3. Articulation of argument, depth of investigation and level of criticality
  4. Quality of academic writing and referencing

Rubric

GradeLetter GradeNumerical Mark (%)Standards

High Distinction

HD

80-100

Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Distinction

D

70-79

Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Credit

C

60-69

Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Pass

P

50-59

Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Fail

N

0-49

Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated

Assessment Task 4

Value: 30 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Final Exam

The exam will be held during the examination period between 2 June-18 June 2022 (date to be confirmed). The exam will include multiple choice questions and essay questions.

Word limit: The total word count of the four paragraphs should be 800 words (i.e. approximately 200 words for each paragraph)

Value: 30%

Presentation requirements: There will be two sections in the exam paper.

Section 1: 10-20 multiple choice questions

Section 2: Write four paragraphs to answer four questions, which you can choose from a list of eight questions.

Estimated return date: Two weeks later 

Assessment Criteria:

  1. Demonstrated understanding of the topic
  2. Use of concepts and ideas from reading assignments, lectures, and other course material
  3. Ideas supported with evidence from course materials and experiences
  4. Articulation of argument, depth of investigation and level of criticality

Rubric

GradeLetter GradeNumerical Mark (%)Standards

High Distinction

HD

80-100

Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Distinction

D

70-79

Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Credit

C

60-69

Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Pass

P

50-59

Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level

Fail

N

0-49

Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.


The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.


The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be returned through Turnitin with instructor comments. Students who wish to receive additional feedback on assignments should come to the instructor’s consultation hours. 

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Assignments may not be resubmitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

Dr Bonnie McConnell
02 6125 7015
bonnie.mcconnell@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Music. health, and wellbeing; music and migration; music of Africa and the African diaspora

Dr Bonnie McConnell

Tuesday 15:00 16:00
Wednesday 14:00 16:00
Dr Bonnie McConnell
bonnie.mcconnell@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Dr Bonnie McConnell

Tuesday 15:00 16:00
Wednesday 14:00 16:00

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions