95736 - Anthropology of Music (1) (Lm)

Learning outcomes

Students who complete this course will have gained knowledge of the key concepts, issues and methods in the study of music from an anthropological point of view. On successful completion of this course a student will be able to: acquire an in-depth knowledge of specific musical practices and traditions; assess the role of music in public and private ritual contexts; analyse the forms, structures and meanings of music, as well as the musical instruments in the contexts examined; develop skills in critically analysing audiovisual materials and sources of different types; deepen some issues related to fieldwork.

Course contents

The course explores the relationship between music, ritual, and gender identity in Morocco and the Maghreb. Drawing on historical, ethnographic, and ethnomusicological sources, it offers an overview of the cult of saints, religious brotherhoods, and spirit possession rituals. Particular attention is devoted to women’s ritual and musical practices, poetic repertoires, and the connections between music and gender identity.

Gender issues are addressed as an integral part of the analysis of repertoires, performances, and the cultural contexts under examination. Topics include: female repertoires and rituals that have been overlooked by anthropological and ethnomusicological research in Morocco; male performative practices that rework or interpret female-coded roles; music and the construction of individual, collective, and gender identities; musical performance as a space for negotiating roles and power dynamics.

Finally, the course introduces methodological tools for fieldwork, with a focus on listening practices, access to knowledge in contexts of healing and domestic or private ritual, and the ethical implications of ethnographic engagement.

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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. Silvia Bruni, Confraternite, santi e spiriti (Indagine in Marocco, Parte I), Udine, Nota, 2020.

2. Silvia Bruni, "O tu che viaggi e lì ritorni". Pratiche rituali e tradizioni musicali femminili a Meknes (Indagine in Marocco, Parte II), Udine, Nota, 2020.

Teaching methods

Lecturing supported by audio and video materials.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral interview aimed at assessing the student’s critical and methodological skills. The syllabus is the same for both attending and non-attending students.

Evaluation will consider detailed knowledge of the course content, language proficiency, the ability to establish connections between different parts of the programme, and critical argumentation skills.

Excellent: Thorough and in-depth knowledge; clearly structured discourse; precise and effective language; strong ability to establish connections across the course content and to develop critical, original arguments.

Very Good: Complete and well-structured knowledge; well-articulated discourse; accurate use of terminology; solid critical and analytical skills.

Good: More than satisfactory knowledge; clear and correct language; appropriate use of core concepts, though with minor limitations in depth or originality.

Fair: Generally correct knowledge, though mostly mechanical or based on memorisation; limited depth and critical insight; expression may lack precision or fluency.

Sufficient: Basic but essential knowledge; inconsistent language use and articulation; discourse may lack clarity and structure.

Barely Sufficient: Superficial or general knowledge; inappropriate or inaccurate language; major gaps in argumentation and conceptual understanding.

Insufficient: Inadequate knowledge; unclear or inappropriate language; failure to meet the expected learning outcomes; lacks disciplinary orientation.

Information on exam dates: http://www.unibo.it/Portale/Guida/AlmaEsami.htm.

**

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 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