ANTH 1410 - Indonesian Music and Cultures

Goals: Designed for both musicians and nonmusicians, this course is an introduction to the music and cultures of Indonesia. One component is a hands-on introduction to the musical techniques and cultural significance of the Javanese gamelan orchestra, taught by Mr. Joko Sutrisno, Music Director of the Indonesian Performing Arts Association of Minnesota (IPAAM), using instruments on loan from the Schubert Club. In the anthropology side of the class, students will explore the wider social and cultural context in which this tradition is rooted by reading anthropological, literary, historical, and other social science accounts from Indonesia. The goals of the class are: 1) to acquire basic skills in playing gamelan music, a sense of its cultural significance, and an awareness of its social context; and 2) to gain a sense of the history and cultural diversity of Indonesia as a nation-state.

Content: The musical part of the class will involve daily playing in class and outside, regular journal-writing, and a final public recital. The anthropological part of the class will involve readings, lectures, film, and discussions. Written assignments will include journal entries, a midterm test, and short essays.

Taught: Annually, winter term.

Credits: 4 credits