Social Anthropology
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a solid knowledge of the concepts, theoretical frameworks and methodological instruments of Social Anthropology.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- has a thoroughly adequate knowledge of the theories and themes dealt with in anthropological domain, and can identify and discuss its crucial points;
- understands the vocabulary and the arguments that can be found in anthropological fields of reflection concerning social organisations and systems of thoughts in different cultures;
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools characterising Social Anthropology.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- can put forward and outline the main conceptual contributions of Social Anthropology;
- can apply the knowledge acquired in anthropological domain to discuss theses, rework problems and make critical judgments in relation to the issues addressed;
- can apply the conceptual structures of the anthropological sciences to the significant dimensions of contemporary cultural debate.
At the end of the course, the student
- has a thoroughly adequate knowledge of the theories and themes dealt with in anthropological domain, and can identify and discuss its crucial points;
- understands the vocabulary and the arguments that can be found in anthropological fields of reflection concerning social organisations and systems of thoughts in different cultures;
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools characterising Social Anthropology.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- can put forward and outline the main conceptual contributions of Social Anthropology;
- can apply the knowledge acquired in anthropological domain to discuss theses, rework problems and make critical judgments in relation to the issues addressed;
- can apply the conceptual structures of the anthropological sciences to the significant dimensions of contemporary cultural debate.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
[A-K]
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
During the ongoing covid emergency, the course syllabus will be maintained with the following changes made to enhance the effectiveness of the online version of the course, which was originally designed for face-to-face teaching.
The lessons will be held in dual mode. The face-to-face lessons will allow the participation of students connected with MSTeams as well as students in the classroom.
The recordings of the lessons will remain available on the course MSTeam until the Monday of the following week.
Students wishing to participate in face-to-face lessons must refer to the following University provisions: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/teaching-activities-campus
Students wishing to participate in MSTeams lessons must refer to the following technical guides: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/technology-and-online-services/microsoft-office-365-education
To participate in the exam sessions, students must refer to the following provisions:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/sitting-exams
The lessons will be held in dual mode. The face-to-face lessons will allow the participation of students connected with MSTeams as well as students in the classroom.
The recordings of the lessons will remain available on the course MSTeam until the Monday of the following week.
Students wishing to participate in face-to-face lessons must refer to the following University provisions: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/teaching-activities-campus
Students wishing to participate in MSTeams lessons must refer to the following technical guides: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/technology-and-online-services/microsoft-office-365-education
To participate in the exam sessions, students must refer to the following provisions:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/sitting-exams
Course syllabus
1. Lessons for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
Social Anthropology: history of the discipline and main theoretical perspectives. Introduction to main theoretical frameworks, research methods, and anthropological schools of thought. Additionally, particular attention will be paid to the work of Bronislaw Malinowski and his socio-legal considerations, reflections, and perspectives.
2. Additional lessons for 9 ECTS program:
Indigenous peoples' rights and identity politics.
This part of the course will consider the anthropological debates on indigeneity and its importance in the contemporary field of anthropology. The course deals with the politics of recognition both at the international and state level, as well as with indigenous peoples' rights claims, and the recognition of indigenous peoples' knowledge and epistemologies.
The course is open to all students of the master's degree course in Philosophical Sciences and to all students of other master's degree courses of the University of Milan who are interested in learning the theoretical concepts of Social Anthropology. From this course students can obtain ECTS useful for accessing to teaching positions in secondary schools (for more info see: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/frequentare-un-corso-post-laurea/formazione-insegnanti-for24)
Social Anthropology: history of the discipline and main theoretical perspectives. Introduction to main theoretical frameworks, research methods, and anthropological schools of thought. Additionally, particular attention will be paid to the work of Bronislaw Malinowski and his socio-legal considerations, reflections, and perspectives.
2. Additional lessons for 9 ECTS program:
Indigenous peoples' rights and identity politics.
This part of the course will consider the anthropological debates on indigeneity and its importance in the contemporary field of anthropology. The course deals with the politics of recognition both at the international and state level, as well as with indigenous peoples' rights claims, and the recognition of indigenous peoples' knowledge and epistemologies.
The course is open to all students of the master's degree course in Philosophical Sciences and to all students of other master's degree courses of the University of Milan who are interested in learning the theoretical concepts of Social Anthropology. From this course students can obtain ECTS useful for accessing to teaching positions in secondary schools (for more info see: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/frequentare-un-corso-post-laurea/formazione-insegnanti-for24)
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is needed
Teaching methods
Lectures
Debate and discussion
Group work
Debate and discussion
Group work
Teaching Resources
Readings and assignments for attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) The student should choose among these two books:
- Robert Deliège. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, il Mulino, 2008.
- Ugo Fabietti. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, Zanichelli (4° edition), 2020.
2) Bronislaw Malinowski. Crimini e Costumi nella Società Selvaggia. Brescia, Scholé, Morcelliana, 2020 (ed. or. 1926).
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
The student should choose one of these books:
- Stefano Allovio. Pigmei, Europei e Altri Selvaggi. Roma-Bari, Laterza. 2010.
- Maria Sapignoli, Robert K. Hitchcock, Gaetano Mangiameli (eds.). La Questione Indigena in Africa. Milano, Unicopli, 2017. (the student should study the Introduction and six essays at her/his choosing)
- Laura Volpi. La Selva Instabile. Indigeni e Genetica nell'Amazzonia Peruviana (TBC). Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2022.
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) The student should choose among these two books:
- Robert Deliège. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, il Mulino, 2008.
- Ugo Fabietti. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, Zanichelli (4° edition), 2020.
2) Bronislaw Malinowski. Crimini e Costumi nella Società Selvaggia. Brescia, Scholé, Morcelliana, 2020 (ed. or. 1926).
3) Adriano Favole. La Bussola dell'Antropologo. Orientarsi in un Mare di Culture. Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2015.
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
The student should choose one of these books:
- Stefano Allovio. Pigmei, Europei e Altri Selvaggi. Roma-Bari, Laterza. 2010.
- Maria Sapignoli, Robert K. Hitchcock, Gaetano Mangiameli (eds.). La Questione Indigena in Africa. Milano, Unicopli, 2017. (the student should study the Introduction and six essays of her/his choosing)
- Laura Volpi. La Selva Instabile. Indigeni e Genetica nell'Amazzonia Peruviana (TBC). Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2022.
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) The student should choose among these two books:
- Robert Deliège. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, il Mulino, 2008.
- Ugo Fabietti. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, Zanichelli (4° edition), 2020.
2) Bronislaw Malinowski. Crimini e Costumi nella Società Selvaggia. Brescia, Scholé, Morcelliana, 2020 (ed. or. 1926).
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
The student should choose one of these books:
- Stefano Allovio. Pigmei, Europei e Altri Selvaggi. Roma-Bari, Laterza. 2010.
- Maria Sapignoli, Robert K. Hitchcock, Gaetano Mangiameli (eds.). La Questione Indigena in Africa. Milano, Unicopli, 2017. (the student should study the Introduction and six essays at her/his choosing)
- Laura Volpi. La Selva Instabile. Indigeni e Genetica nell'Amazzonia Peruviana (TBC). Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2022.
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) The student should choose among these two books:
- Robert Deliège. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, il Mulino, 2008.
- Ugo Fabietti. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, Zanichelli (4° edition), 2020.
2) Bronislaw Malinowski. Crimini e Costumi nella Società Selvaggia. Brescia, Scholé, Morcelliana, 2020 (ed. or. 1926).
3) Adriano Favole. La Bussola dell'Antropologo. Orientarsi in un Mare di Culture. Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2015.
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
The student should choose one of these books:
- Stefano Allovio. Pigmei, Europei e Altri Selvaggi. Roma-Bari, Laterza. 2010.
- Maria Sapignoli, Robert K. Hitchcock, Gaetano Mangiameli (eds.). La Questione Indigena in Africa. Milano, Unicopli, 2017. (the student should study the Introduction and six essays of her/his choosing)
- Laura Volpi. La Selva Instabile. Indigeni e Genetica nell'Amazzonia Peruviana (TBC). Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2022.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be oral. Its purpose will be to test the knowledge of the volumes indicated in the reading list, with reference to the theoretical framework, the methods and the research topics of social anthropology.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theory and of the topics discussed during the course;
- ability to exemplify concepts;
- adequacy of lexicon.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theory and of the topics discussed during the course;
- ability to exemplify concepts;
- adequacy of lexicon.
Unita' didattica A
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
[L-Z]
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
During the ongoing covid emergency, the course syllabus will be maintained with the following changes made to enhance the effectiveness of the online version of the course, which was originally designed for face-to-face teaching.
The lessons will be held in dual mode. The face-to-face lessons will allow the participation of students connected with MSTeams as well as students in the classroom.
The recordings of the lessons will remain available on the course MSTeam until the Monday of the following week.
Students wishing to participate in face-to-face lessons must refer to the following University provisions: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/teaching-activities-campus
Students wishing to participate in MSTeams lessons must refer to the following technical guides: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/technology-and-online-services/microsoft-office-365-education
To participate in the exam sessions, students must refer to the following provisions:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/sitting-exams
The lessons will be held in dual mode. The face-to-face lessons will allow the participation of students connected with MSTeams as well as students in the classroom.
The recordings of the lessons will remain available on the course MSTeam until the Monday of the following week.
Students wishing to participate in face-to-face lessons must refer to the following University provisions: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/teaching-activities-campus
Students wishing to participate in MSTeams lessons must refer to the following technical guides: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/technology-and-online-services/microsoft-office-365-education
To participate in the exam sessions, students must refer to the following provisions:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/sitting-exams
Course syllabus
1. Lessons for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
Social Anthropology: history of the discipline and main theoretical perspectives. Introduction to main theoretical frameworks, research methods, and anthropological schools of thought. Additionally, particular attention will be paid to the work of Bronislaw Malinowski and his socio-legal considerations, reflections, and perspectives.
2. Additional lessons for 9 ECTS program:
Indigenous peoples' rights and identity politics.
This part of the course will consider the anthropological debates on indigeneity and its importance in the contemporary field of anthropology. The course deals with the politics of recognition both at the international and state level, as well as with indigenous peoples' rights claims, and the recognition of indigenous peoples' knowledge and epistemologies.
The course is open to all students of the master's degree course in Philosophical Sciences and to all students of other master's degree courses of the University of Milan who are interested in learning the theoretical concepts of Social Anthropology. From this course students can obtain ECTS useful for accessing to teaching positions in secondary schools (for more info see: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/frequentare-un-corso-post-laurea/formazione-insegnanti-for24
Social Anthropology: history of the discipline and main theoretical perspectives. Introduction to main theoretical frameworks, research methods, and anthropological schools of thought. Additionally, particular attention will be paid to the work of Bronislaw Malinowski and his socio-legal considerations, reflections, and perspectives.
2. Additional lessons for 9 ECTS program:
Indigenous peoples' rights and identity politics.
This part of the course will consider the anthropological debates on indigeneity and its importance in the contemporary field of anthropology. The course deals with the politics of recognition both at the international and state level, as well as with indigenous peoples' rights claims, and the recognition of indigenous peoples' knowledge and epistemologies.
The course is open to all students of the master's degree course in Philosophical Sciences and to all students of other master's degree courses of the University of Milan who are interested in learning the theoretical concepts of Social Anthropology. From this course students can obtain ECTS useful for accessing to teaching positions in secondary schools (for more info see: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/frequentare-un-corso-post-laurea/formazione-insegnanti-for24
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is needed
Teaching methods
Lectures
Debate and discussion
Group work
Debate and discussion
Group work
Teaching Resources
Readings and assignments for attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) The student should choose among these two books:
- Robert Deliège. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, il Mulino, 2008.
- Ugo Fabietti. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, Zanichelli (4° edition), 2020.
2) Bronislaw Malinowski. Crimini e Costumi nella Società Selvaggia. Brescia, Scholé, Morcelliana, 2020 (ed. or. 1926).
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
The student should choose one of these books:
- Stefano Allovio. Pigmei, Europei e Altri Selvaggi. Roma-Bari, Laterza. 2010.
- Maria Sapignoli, Robert K. Hitchcock, Gaetano Mangiameli (eds.). La Questione Indigena in Africa. Milano, Unicopli, 2017. (the student should study the Introduction and six essays at her/his choosing)
- Laura Volpi. La Selva Instabile. Indigeni e Genetica nell'Amazzonia Peruviana (TBC). Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2022.
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) The student should choose among these two books:
- Robert Deliège. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, il Mulino, 2008.
- Ugo Fabietti. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, Zanichelli (4° edition), 2020.
2) Bronislaw Malinowski. Crimini e Costumi nella Società Selvaggia. Brescia, Scholé, Morcelliana, 2020 (ed. or. 1926).
3) Adriano Favole. La Bussola dell'Antropologo. Orientarsi in un Mare di Culture. Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2015.
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
The student should choose one of these books:
- Stefano Allovio. Pigmei, Europei e Altri Selvaggi. Roma-Bari, Laterza. 2010.
- Maria Sapignoli, Robert K. Hitchcock, Gaetano Mangiameli (eds.). La Questione Indigena in Africa. Milano, Unicopli, 2017. (the student should study the Introduction and six essays of her/his choosing)
- Laura Volpi. La Selva Instabile. Indigeni e Genetica nell'Amazzonia Peruviana (TBC). Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2022.
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) The student should choose among these two books:
- Robert Deliège. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, il Mulino, 2008.
- Ugo Fabietti. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, Zanichelli (4° edition), 2020.
2) Bronislaw Malinowski. Crimini e Costumi nella Società Selvaggia. Brescia, Scholé, Morcelliana, 2020 (ed. or. 1926).
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
The student should choose one of these books:
- Stefano Allovio. Pigmei, Europei e Altri Selvaggi. Roma-Bari, Laterza. 2010.
- Maria Sapignoli, Robert K. Hitchcock, Gaetano Mangiameli (eds.). La Questione Indigena in Africa. Milano, Unicopli, 2017. (the student should study the Introduction and six essays at her/his choosing)
- Laura Volpi. La Selva Instabile. Indigeni e Genetica nell'Amazzonia Peruviana (TBC). Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2022.
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) The student should choose among these two books:
- Robert Deliège. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, il Mulino, 2008.
- Ugo Fabietti. Storia dell'Antropologia. Bologna, Zanichelli (4° edition), 2020.
2) Bronislaw Malinowski. Crimini e Costumi nella Società Selvaggia. Brescia, Scholé, Morcelliana, 2020 (ed. or. 1926).
3) Adriano Favole. La Bussola dell'Antropologo. Orientarsi in un Mare di Culture. Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2015.
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
The student should choose one of these books:
- Stefano Allovio. Pigmei, Europei e Altri Selvaggi. Roma-Bari, Laterza. 2010.
- Maria Sapignoli, Robert K. Hitchcock, Gaetano Mangiameli (eds.). La Questione Indigena in Africa. Milano, Unicopli, 2017. (the student should study the Introduction and six essays of her/his choosing)
- Laura Volpi. La Selva Instabile. Indigeni e Genetica nell'Amazzonia Peruviana (TBC). Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2022.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be oral. Its purpose will be to test the knowledge of the volumes indicated in the reading list, with reference to the theoretical framework, the methods and the research topics of social anthropology.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theory and of the topics discussed during the course;
- ability to exemplify concepts;
- adequacy of lexicon.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theory and of the topics discussed during the course;
- ability to exemplify concepts;
- adequacy of lexicon.
Unita' didattica A
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)