Department of Music

MUSI 7524 Topcis in Ethnomusicology
Topic: Performance Ethnography and Altered States

Michelle Kisliuk
3.0 credits
R / 2:00-4:30 / OCH 201
Class Number: 20194

This discussion-based doctoral seminar explores the vast realm of intersections between sound, movement and altered states of consciousness, ranging from sound that induces meditative states to musical processes in possession-trance and divination. We will consider the element of substances that are culturally associated with sound and altered states; from the ubiquitous presence of alcohol in some festival settings, to psychedelia in other settings. Mental health and other healing treatments, community musicking and consciousness, and rhythm (especially polymeter) and movement will be part of our exploration. As part of training that engages poetics and critical positionality for writing ethnographically, we will consider the special challenges of writing about altered states. Readings will include Gilbert Rouget's classic Music and Trance, Levitin's popular text This is Your Brain on Music, as well as full musical ethnographies such as Hagedorn's Divine Utterances, Friedson's Dancing Prophets and The Remains of Ritual, and Becker's Deep Listeners: Music, Emotion, and Trancing, and Katz's Boiling Energy: Community Healing Among the Kalahari San, as well as mulitidisciplinary essays and articles.

MUSI 7547 Materials of Contemporary Music
Topic: EcoAcoustics

Matthew Burtner
3.0 credits
W / 2:00-4:30 pm / OCH B011
Class Number: 13728

MUSI 7559
Topic: Creative Practices

JoVia Armstrong
3.0 credits
T / 2:00-4:30 / OCH 107
Class Number: 20433