B8717 - ANTROPOLOGIA DELLA MUSICA (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of key concepts, issues, and methods in the study of music from an anthropological perspective. The course enables students to acquire in-depth knowledge of specific oral-tradition musical practices; assess the role of music in both public and private ritual contexts; analyze the forms, structures, instruments, and meanings of music within these settings; develop critical skills for analyzing audiovisual materials and various types of sources; and deepen their understanding of fieldwork methodologies in the musical domain.

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 saint worship, religious brotherhoods, and spirit possession rituals, with particular attention to female ritual and musical practices and their associated poetic repertoires.

Gender issues are addressed as an integral part of the analysis of the repertoires, performances, and cultural contexts examined. Topics covered include: female repertoires and rituals overlooked by anthropological and ethnomusicological research in Morocco; male performative practices that rework or reinterpret roles connoted as feminine; the role of music in the construction of individual, collective, and gender identity; and musical performances as a space for negotiating roles and power dynamics.

Finally, the course introduces methodological tools for fieldwork, with particular attention to listening, access to knowledge within contexts of care and domestic or private ritual practice, and the ethical implications of ethnographic work.

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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, designed to assess the critical and methodological skills developed by the student. The syllabus is the same for both attending and non-attending students.

Solid knowledge, a rich and well-articulated discourse, and appropriate language will be assessed with excellent grades. Adequate knowledge of the content, acceptable synthesis skills, and correct language will be assessed with good/fair grades. Limited knowledge of the content, poor argumentative skills, and inappropriate language will 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

Audio and video recordings will be presented to complement the assigned readings.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Bruni