This course explores ways of examining and representing music and sound as a fundamentally social practice. Such an approach looks beyond the notes to study music as part of human social life and experience. Readings and listenings will focus on a number of contexts from throughout the world, including Portuguese fado songs, rainforest soundscapes, and urban street dance in the U.S. We will consider in-depth the theories and methods involved in conducting research and writing about sound and music as social phenomena, considering the roles and perspectives of musicians, listeners, markets and the media. We will also examine the role of the researcher, considering the ethical issues involved in representing music and culture, both from elsewhere and ‘at home’. Students will apply the methods we discuss in class in a final project on music-making and –listening in and around Charlottesville.