Decolonizing Ethnomusicology

MHI4306.01
Course System Home Terms Spring 2021 Decolonizing Ethnomusicology

Course Description

Summary

What does it mean to decolonize a field of study? Ethnomusicologists are currently grappling with this question, rethinking how to research, write, teach, and listen in ways that engage with people and perspectives that have been historically suppressed, marginalized, and silenced. Social justice is at the heart of the decolonial project. How can ethnomusicology empower the cultures and people being studied, prioritizing indigenous voices, and building a community of conversation that stretches well beyond the academy? We will read key works in ethnomusicology and anthropology by POC, indigenous, and non-western scholars, considering how they critique, resist, and think past dominant assumptions and biases about academic knowledge and culture. As we delve into these texts, we will also pursue short collaborative research projects on different musical topics.

Prerequisites

Students should write an email to josephalpar@bennington.edu expressing interest in taking the course.

Please contact the faculty member : josephalpar@bennington.edu

Corequisites

Attendance at Music Mondays lecture series, 7:00 PM-8:00PM.

Instructor

  • Joseph Alpar

Day and Time

Academic Term

Spring 2021

Credits

4

Course Level

4000

Maximum Enrollment

14