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

This course offers an introduction to the study of music as a cultural and social phenomenon. Topics covered include: key concepts and methods of the anthropology of music, including the ethnographic approach, cultural relativism, and symbolic analysis; the relationship between music and society; music and the construction of identity; music, religion and ritual practices; the cultural meanings of music; processes of 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

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 provided in the Course Reader (Virtuale).

Teaching methods

Lectures, discussion of the topics covered.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral interview aimed at assessing the skills acquired by the student and their capacity for critical analysis. The syllabus is the same for both attending and non-attending students.

An in-depth understanding, expressive command of the subject, and critical originality result in excellent grades; adequate but largely rote knowledge, expressed through correct but generic terminology, results in good/fair grades; gaps in content and limited knowledge of the theoretical tools of the discipline result in marginally sufficient grades; serious gaps in preparation and an inability to analyze and contextualize result in a failing grade.

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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

Video and audio recordings will be used to complement the assigned readings.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Bruni