TRANSCULTURAL MUSICOLOGY

The course aims to explore the themes, technical terminology and objectives of musicological research using the tools of the very recent discipline known as ‘Transcultural Musicology’, which is able to bridge the gaps between Historical Musicology, Ethnomusicology and demo-ethno-anthropological disciplines (DEA), drawing on insights from disciplines such as the Anthropology of Music, the Sociology of Music, the Semiology of Music, Performance Studies and Popular Music Studies.

More specifically, the course will examine: 1. the distinctive approach of ethnomusicology (EM) in relation to historical musicology (MS), demo-ethno-anthropological disciplines (DEA) and recent studies of contemporary popular music (“Popular Music Studies”); 2. the emic concept of music; 3. the sound/noise dichotomy; 4. the intentionality of musical action; 5. the particular temporality of sound events; 6. the existence of rules governing the organisation of sounds; 7. the presence and use of objects and technologies in music; 8. the various organologies that have emerged across the globe; 9. the project inherent in musical action; 10. the functions attributed to musical production.

During the course, we will focus on some typical methods of musicological research: fieldwork, the recording and analysis of recorded pieces, the use of video cameras, and audiovisual research.

As every year, there will be initiatives linked to the course, such as the Ca’ Foscari festival ‘Incroci in Musica’, for which attendance is required.

According to the framework for the European Higher Education, the so called Dublin descriptors, the expected results are:
1. Knowledge and Understanding
a) To know the basic terms and concepts of the discipline and to understand the texts that use such terms and concepts.
b) To understand the peculiarities of the approaches of MS, EM, DEA as well as the brand new approach of the so called Transcultural Musicology.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
a) Being capable of a simple analysis of some given musical examples, being aware of the singles musical languages and cultures.
b) Ability to connect a musical tune with its cultural framework.

3. Judgement's ability
a) Being capable to formulate and to argument simples hypothesis.

4. Communication Skills
a) Being able to communicate the peculiarities of the ethnomusicological approach to music, using an appropriate terminology.

5. Learning Ability
● Being able to take notes and to share them in a collaborative form.
● Being able to consult the texts critically and the Bibliography immanent.

Open mindedness, attention and curiosity. Welcome notions of musical grammar.

The course aims to address issues, technical terms and objectives of musicological research adopting the tools of young discipline called "Transcultural Musicology"

1) Maurizio Agamennone, Serena Facci, Giovanni Giuriati, Elementi di Etnomusicologia, Milano, Le Monnier Università, 2026.
2) Francesco Giannattasio and Giovanni Giuriati (edited by), "Perspectives on a 21st Century Comparative Musicology: Ethnomusicology or Transcultural Musicology?", Udine, Nota Edizioni, 2017.

Further bibliographical indications will be given in class.

Oral examination. It starts with a topic of the candidate's choice. It continues with questions on the reference texts.

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

The University's grading scale for examinations will be adopted, and so:
1) Scores in the range of 18-22 will be assigned for: Sufficient knowledge of the textbooks and related topics; Limited ability to use data and form independent judgments; Sufficient communication skills.
2) Scores in the range of 23-26 will be assigned for: Fair knowledge of the textbooks and related topics; Fair ability to use data and form independent judgments; Fair communication skills.
3) Scores in the range of 27-30 will be assigned for: Good or excellent knowledge of the textbooks and related topics; Good or excellent ability to use data and form independent judgments; Fully appropriate communication skills.
4) The “laude” will be awarded to students with excellent knowledge and comprehension of the textbooks and related topics.

Lessons with audio and video examples.

Before starting a course I order the necessary texts for the course in BAUM; obviously, being exam papers, these are not available for loan.
You can also find the texts for the exam in Venetian as well as national bookstores, online, or in the many Venetian libraries.

Ca’ Foscari applies Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding the support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties. If you have a physical, visual or hearing disability or other disabilities (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning difficulty (Law 170/2010) and require support (classroom assistance, technological aids for sitting exams or individualised exams, materials in accessible formats, note-taking services, specialist tutoring to support your studies, interpreters or other support), please contact the Disability and Specific Learning Disorders Office at disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development