Julie Green, June 10, 2009

Sociology and Community
Guinea, West Africa
Class Discussion Notes
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Julie Green

During our discussion of chapters 1 and 2 of the book, Music in West Africa, several topics emerged: The negotiation process (in chapter 1, page 3) and why it possibly exists in the African culture verses its existence in our personal beliefs from a sociological worldview in our American culture, and how music and its traditions frame or represent the African community.

The discussion continued on culture and community from page 9 talking about how Stone allowed the person to pack his items in her vehicle or him feeling comfortable enough to ask for help also represented a sense of community.

On page 15, we discussed how music, dance and song are interwoven as threads in fabric and page 12, we discussed (in the last paragraph) persons in authority and power in communities and the various ways they are portrayed through majority agreement, strong influence and sometimes control.

Finally, a question was asked by Dr. Barton regarding “Faceting and cutting the edge (pages 30, 40, 44). After much discussion, the question was tabled for our next class. It was suggested that we research what faceting and cutting the edge mean from a musicological worldview and report the findings. In addition, we are required to look at how music is s representative of culture, and how people think about culture. The discussion was fascinating and the class enjoyable.