What in the World is Music – Test Bank

“What in the World is Music” is an interactive e-textbook designed for undergraduate students, focusing on the universal human practice of music. With over 300 video and audio links showcasing music from around the globe, this textbook delves into the nature and significance of music while drawing connections to students’ everyday lives. By blending the study of Western musical traditions with an ethnomusicological approach to non-Western music, it provides a comprehensive understanding of how music is organized and experienced within different cultures.

“What in the World is Music?” is structured thematically to emphasize cross-cultural similarities and shared musical practices. Here’s a brief overview of the units covered in the textbook:

• Unit 1: The Foundations of Music – This unit introduces the fundamental questions about music, including its definition, components, origins, and functions.
• Unit 2: Music and Identity – Explores how music plays a role in shaping human identity at both individual and group levels, focusing on concepts of hybridity and conflict.
• Unit 3: Music and the Sacred – Examines the use of music in religious practices worldwide, encompassing chanting, devotional singing, and ritualistic applications.
• Unit 4: Music and Social Life – Investigates the various social uses of music, including storytelling, theater, digital technologies, nightlife, public ceremonies, and festivals.

This Routledge interactive textbook package, ISBN 978-1138790254, includes a printed book supplementing the online e-text. The e-text is also available as a standalone version under ISBN 978-1315764306.

For a more immersive understanding of the textbook content, viewers can watch an infomercial video featuring the authors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the target audience for “What in the World is Music”?

The textbook is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in exploring the diverse world of music across different cultures.

2. How can students access the additional video and audio content included in the textbook?

Students can access the video and audio links provided in the e-textbook by using the interactive features available in the digital platform.

3. Is the textbook only focused on Western music traditions?

No, the textbook takes a comprehensive approach by combining the study of Western music traditions with an ethnomusicological perspective on non-Western music from various parts of the world.

4. Can the e-textbook be used as a standalone resource without the printed book?

Yes, the e-textbook is available as a standalone resource with its own ISBN for students who prefer digital access to the content.

Conclusion

“What in the World is Music” offers a rich exploration of music as a global phenomenon, spanning cultural, social, and religious contexts. By delving into the foundations of music, its role in identity formation, sacred practices, and social interactions, this interactive textbook provides students with a holistic understanding of music’s significance in human societies.

With its multimedia features and thematic approach, the textbook serves as a valuable resource for students seeking to engage with music from a cross-cultural perspective.