Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - CA 341 E100

Music and Culture (3)

Class Number: 7298

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 6:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 6:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 7, 2023
    Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The relationship of music and culture, with emphasis on traditional and contemporary music in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Indigenous cultures of North America. Specific cultural areas may be selected for intensive study in any particular term. May be of particular interest to students in other departments.

COURSE DETAILS:

In Music and Culture (341) we will peel back the papyrus of history in order to discover the rich historical contexts that discursively frame musical practices around the world. In a sense, this is a course about everything that exceeds music as such; it’s about the venues, rituals, publishers, platforms, merchandise, media, and laws that have made music such a radiant and diverse cultural activity— from antiquity to TikTok. Starting with theories on the origin of musical culture, we will navigate through music as medicine, weapon, noise, document, and commodity, until arriving at the contemporary condition of music as vibe. Course materials will include academic articles, memoirs, independent publications, and various digital media. Students are expected to either read, watch, or listen to one or two articles per-week and collaboratively lead an in-class presentation as a group once during the course. Finally, there will be a creative writing project due at the end of the term.

Grading

  • Participation/Attendance/Contribution to Class Discussions 20%
  • Weekly Reading Responses 30%
  • In Class Presentation 15%
  • Creative Writing Assignment [Project Proposal] 10%
  • Creative Writing Assignment [Final Draft] 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.