A study of the principles of folk music and folk music research from a worldwide perspective. Students will develop an understanding of the ways in which socio-cultural forces impact upon folk music, and acquire skills of folk music collection, interviewing and analysis, archival research skills, and competence in folk music arranging. The course is taught in collaboration with the National Library of Australia - where students will be introduced to the Oral History Archive - and with the National Folk Festival. Students will also participate in a Master Class and will attend the National Folk Festival as an integral part of the course.

1. A greater awareness of the principles of folk music and folk music research.
2. A greater awareness of the ways in which socio-cultural forces impact upon folk music.
3. A greater awareness of archival collections and enhanced archival research skills.
4. Greater competence in folk arranging.
5. A greater capacity for academic research and documentation using a wide range of sources.
6. A greater capacity for critically evaluating and writing about music.
7. A greater capacity to reflect and understand music.
8. A greater capacity to think and write analytically about music.

3,000 word paper on an aspect of folk music based on the holdings of the Oral History Archive, NLA (100%); or

A folio of arrangements of folk music material based on recordings in the Oral History Archive, NLA complete with 1,500 word introduction (100%); or

A project examining folk music values (both ontological and normative) through interviews and live observation, resulting in a 3,000 word written paper or a lecture/performance which includes at least 20 minutes of text as well as musical examples (40-50 minutes) (100%).

This course will be delivered within a flexible timetable of both weekly seminars and intensive blocks.

Concepts of Music (MUSM1201) or permission of Coordinator

A reading block will be available through WebCT, or students will be directed to reading in the School of Music Library.

Students must satisfy the course requirements for the Workshop component to be eligible to receive an overall grade for the course. Students not satisfying the Workshop component will receive a fail grade for the course. Students must be able to attend a minimum of 80% of the course. For more information please speak to the co-ordinator, or once enrolled, check WebCT at the start of Semester 1, 2009.