95887 - Sociology of Music (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The student will learn: - the essential tools of sociology and social research useful for the study of social processes of sound/music production, consumption, evaluation and classification; - more specifically, she will know the main sociological concepts, theories, models for the analysis of music production and reception, as well as for the social and cultural interpretation of sound and musical objects, in their diversified esthetical and institutional forms; - she will be able to apply these tools in order to understand real processes of production, circulation, evaluation and consumption of music objects and music genres, and to critically read and design empirical researches on music social worlds.

Course contents

Moving from the classic studies of Weber, Simmel, Adorno, Schutz, Becker and others, and with examples drawn from the history of Western music from the classical age to the present (with some forays into other musical cultures), the course shows how it is possible and fruitful to situate music- i.e. its creation, dissemination, enjoyment, evaluation, and use - at the center of social life and its fundamental processes (from the formation of identities to the construction of hegemonies to the mechanisms of distinction and exclusion).

To put the sociological perspective into practice, this year's course will focus on the illustration and discussion of a research program on the social organization of musical life in Bologna, chosen as a case study on which to apply concepts, theories and research techniques specific to music sociology. Students will be able to participate in the development of the program and the definition of research tools, as well as in the collection and analysis of empirical material.

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. The Routledge Reader on the Sociology of Music, edited by John Shepherd, Kyle Devine, London, Routledge 2015, chapters available online in the platform.
   
2. M. Santoro, Nel campo della musica. Spazi, generi, politiche, Roma, Meltemi 2024.

 

Teaching methods

Lectures with classroom research simulations or fieldwork exercises, and moments of seminar discussion

Assessment methods

Oral examination on the texts in the syllabus in which you must demonstrate that you have acquired at least basic sociological vocabulary, and that you know how to “think sociologically” including through discussion of an empirical research paper on aspects of musical social life, agreed upon with the lecturer. The paper is mandatory to take the exam.

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

Texts in pdf format uploaded on the online platform of the course; teaching support videos; course slides (available at the end of the lessons)

Office hours

See the website of Marco Santoro