96426 - Fundamentals of Ethnomusicology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student: possesses knowledge of traditional oral music from different points of view including both the language and the context of the sound event; masters the various theoretical and methodological perspectives used over time by the expert of the discipline in the analysis and research on traditional oral music. The skills acquired concern the structures and functions of ritual apparatuses and mythical systems, with specific in-depth study of musical issues. The ethnomusicology courses help to form anthropological knowledge and skills useful to place the student’s personal and family history in a wider cultural context, in order to reflect on identities in terms of mutual understanding and exchange. They provide specific knowledge about migration processes, also in relation to globalisation. This helps to address the multiculturality of the classes by measuring themselves against cultural differences, promoting integration and interculturality. Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism are specific subjects of the lessons, in addition to the relationship between culture and practical knowledge, and between tradition and creativity. Specific attention is paid to the relationships between marginality and centrality, in terms of social and ethnic identity, but also in terms of gender identity. Issues relating to racism, migration, integration and social cohesion are also covered.

Course contents

Module A: methodological and historical problems of the discipline. Special attention will be paid to the Italian tradition of study and the relationship between oral tradition and written tradition of music.

Module B: Gypsies and others in the Balkans.

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

Module A:

Nico Staiti, "Ascoltate miei cari signori". Le musiche di tradizione orale in Italia, Nota, Udine, 2021 (inclusa l'appendice di Roberto Leydi, con relativi ascolti).

Module B:

1. Nico Staiti, "The Rose Garden: Against Racism in Ethnomusicology"", in Etnografie Sonore/Sound Etnographies, I, 1 (online, open access)

2. Nico Staiti, "'Noi siamo quelli genti che conosciamo tutta la musica': questioni di identità", Il Saggiatore musicale, in corso di stampa (dattiloscritto disponibile presso la Copisteria Harpo, in via Barberia)

3. Roberto Leydi, L'influenza zingara e turco-ottomana nella musica del Balcani, a cura di e con introduzione di Nico Staiti e Nicola Scaldaferri, Udine, Nota, con 2 CD, 2004

4. Nico Staiti, "Tutto è zuppa? Musica, interculturalità, educazione: una prospettiva etnomusicologica", in Il Saggiatore Musicale, X, 1, 2003.

Handouts and other teaching materials will be provided on Virtuale.

Teaching methods

Lectures with audiovisual media.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of an oral interview. Students will be evaluated considering the skills acquired and their critical capabilities.

Students may take the final examination on any of the scheduled date or, upon reservation one week before, at the teacher's office.

It will be assessed as excellent the performance of those students achieving an organic vision of the course contents, the use of a proper specific language, originality of reflection and familiarity with the ethnomusicology tools. It will be assessed as discrete the performance of those students showing mostly mechanical or mnemonic knowledge of the subject, disarticulated synthesis and analysis capabilities, or a correct but not always appropriate language, as well as a scholastic study of ethnomusicology. It will be assessed as barely sufficient the performance of those students showing learning gaps, inappropriate language, lack of knowledge of the instruments of ethnomusicology. It will be assessed as insufficient the performance of those students showing learning gaps, inappropriate language, no orientation within the recommended bibliography and inability of ethnomusicological analysis.

The exam can be taken during normal sessions or, if booked one week in advance, on a date agreed with the professors.

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

Audio files and movies will integrate the lectures. Non-attending students are not required to complete any addotional readings.

Office hours

See the website of Domenico Staiti

See the website of Silvia Bruni