98788 - Fundamentals of Music Anthropology (1)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student will be able to: - understand and outline methods and perspectives presented in the Anthropology of music which draw on both disciplinary and interdisciplinary scholarship; - identify the strengths and specific features of the study of music in anthropological perspective; - demonstrate an understanding of the field methods involved in the Anthropology of music; - explore the different approaches to music culture analysis based upon specific ethnographies.

Course contents

The course offers an introduction to the study of music as a cultural and social phenomenon. The lesson topics include: the fundamental concepts and methods of the anthropology of music, including the ethnographic approach, cultural relativism, and symbolic analysis; music and society; music and identity; music, religion, and ritual practices; music and meanings; learning and transmission.

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Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office ( [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en]) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Alan P. Merriam, Antropologia della musica, prefazione di Diego Carpitella, Palermo, Sellerio, 2000 [or another edition of your choice], excluding chapters V (pp. 100-114), XII (pp. 230-257), and XIV (pp. 275-298), to be replaced with the texts in Dispensa B.

2. Dispensa uploaded on Virtuale, which includes:

A) Course lecture notes

B) PDF texts of:

-Claude Lévi-Strauss, «L’efficacia simbolica», in Antropologia strutturale, Milano, Il Saggiatore, 2015, pp. 163-178.

-Steven Feld, «Struttura sonora come struttura sociale», in Uomini e suoni: prospettive antropologiche nella ricerca musicale, Bologna, CLUEB, 1995, pp. 145-181.

-Anthony Seeger, «Canta per tua sorella: struttura e performance negli akia dei Suyá», in Uomini e suoni: prospettive antropologiche nella ricerca musicale, Bologna, CLUEB, 1995, pp. 99-144.

Teaching methods

Lecturing, discussion on the topics covered.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral interview during which the student's developed skills and critical abilities will be assessed.

Excellent grades will be awarded to those who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered, expressive mastery with specific language, originality in reflection, and competence in using the analytical tools of the anthropology of music.

Good grades will be given to those who show a predominantly mechanical or rote knowledge of the subject, inadequately articulated synthesis and analysis skills, correct but not always appropriate language, or a basic level of competence in the discipline.

Passing grades will be awarded in cases of knowledge gaps or inappropriate language, along with insufficient understanding of the tools of the anthropology of music and a lack of orientation in the bibliography.

Failing grades will be reserved for those with significant knowledge gaps, inappropriate use of language, and inability to analyze within the field of the anthropology of music.

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Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office ( [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en]) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

During the lectures, audio and video recordings will be presented to supplement the assigned readings. Non-attending students are not required to complete any additional readings.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Bruni