PhD
Advice for Doctoral students specializing in Ethnomusicology
Requirements: Minimum of *18 (typically: 6 courses) including 699 (not usually taken in the first term) and two approved languages, one of which is generally French or German (the other is often the language required to perform field research). The language requirement is not a credit requirement; it is possible to pass the requirement by taking courses, but also by taking an exam. When the language is not offered at the University of Alberta, alternative arrangements for study and examination can usually be made, via consultations with your advisor.
NB: Please note that all graduate students must complete the Ethics training for Music graduate students.
Courses in the department of Music
Normally you will take 665, 666, 699, plus whichever 5xx courses in ethnomusicology are offered. 699 should not be taken in the first term. Also you may wish to audit 102 and 365 (at least to learn how to teach), or take these courses for credit using a reading course number (6xx).
Enrolling in at least one world music ensemble is strongly advised, though only one ensemble should be counted towards the *18 credits. Ensembles taken for graduate credit will entail additional academic work (reading and writing) beyond that specified by the ensemble syllabus. This work will be arranged by your advisor in consultation with the ensemble director.
Consider also fulfilling any MA requirements that haven’t yet been met via previous studies.
Courses in other departments
Relevant courses are available in a number of other departments as well. Important theoretical content is available in Anthropology (mainly cultural and linguistic anthropology, especially courses offered by Andie Palmer and Jean DeBernardi), English (literary and postcolonial theory courses), MLCS (cultural studies), Political Science, and Sociology (social-cultural theory). Area studies content is available primarily through MLCS (languages and literatures), History, Political Science, and Anthropology.
In your first year, you will also prepare a dissertation proposal. It is advisable to work towards this goal as much as possible throughout your coursework.
Candidacy
Following completion of coursework and fulfillment of the language requirement, work with your advisor to prepare for and pass qualifying (written) and candidacy (oral) examinations at the end of year 2, or during the first half of year 3.
Qualifying and Candidacy Examinations
After all course work and language requirements are satisfied, the student will take the qualifying and candidacy examinations, which measure the student's knowledge of the disciplines and subject matter relevant to the dissertation and gauge the student's ability to formulate and carry out original research.
The qualifying examination has two parts. Part One, written over five days with access to library resources, will consist of essay questions in three well-defined areas of research determined by the student's supervisory committee. The three areas will not all be limited to the same musical discipline. Part Two will consist of two short (2500 word) analytical essays on works chosen from a list prepared by the supervisory committee. The essays should convey proficiency with both methodological and theoretical issues.
If the examining committee finds the results of the qualifying examination satisfactory, the student proceeds to the candidacy examination, an oral examination in which the Committee will discuss with the student the material covered in the qualifying examination. The candidacy examination will ordinarily be held within a month of the qualifying examination.
Fieldwork and Dissertation'
Following successful completion of the candidacy examinations, there is a dissertation proposal defense. After that, you'll move on to fieldwork research, and dissertation writing. When you and your advisor agree that the dissertation is complete, the final oral examination is scheduled, following which the doctoral degree is bestowed at the next University convocation.
Supervisory and Examination committees
Your supervisory committee comprises the supervisor plus two other committee members; you may wish to include individuals from other departments or faculties. The examining committee charged with the adjudication of the the candidacy examinations comprises the three members of the supervisory committee plus two other members, one from the Department of Music and one (usually) from another department. Augmented by a sixth examiner external to the University of Alberta, this committee reviews the dissertation and gives the final oral examination. Members of the final examining committee are appointed upon the recommendation of the Graduate Coordinator to the Department Chair and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Grants
Consider applying for SSRHC and other grants in year 1, and again (if needed) in year 2.
Language requirement: You are required to demonstrate proficiency in two languages, one of which is generally French or German; the other may be a field language. The requirement may be met in two ways: (a) by examination; (b) by taking courses. For any language offered by the Department of Modern Languages see http://www.humanities.ualberta.ca/MLCS/graduate/exam.html. Exams are offered on a regular schedule. For any other language, you must work out an acceptable program with your advisor. Summer programs are often available on other campuses.
Useful links:
- Music Graduate Handbook
- Graduate programs in music, including PhD
- Relevant calendar pages
- Department of Music Course listings in 2005
- Current course listings, via Bear Tracks
- University of Alberta Calendar, online
