Cultural Anthropology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a solid general knowledge of the basic concepts, theoretical frameworks and methodological instruments of Cultural Anthropology, and to enable them to use the anthropological thought as a critical contribution to their own future studies, researches and activities in intercultural contexts.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- knows the theoretical fundamentals of Cultural Anthropology;
- knows the main perspectives of anthropological reflection about culture, worldviews, cultural diversity;
- knows the main methodological instruments (including participant observation as immersive research practice and the comparative method) and and the basic bibliographic elements of intellectual work in the field of Cultural 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 Cultural Anthropology;
- can articulate anthropological reflections with respect to specific contexts;
- can apply knowledge for the purpose of i
nterpreting and commenting situations, written and oral texts, videos and social media contents;
- can deal with bibliographies in the anthropological domain.
At the end of the course, the student
- knows the theoretical fundamentals of Cultural Anthropology;
- knows the main perspectives of anthropological reflection about culture, worldviews, cultural diversity;
- knows the main methodological instruments (including participant observation as immersive research practice and the comparative method) and and the basic bibliographic elements of intellectual work in the field of Cultural 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 Cultural Anthropology;
- can articulate anthropological reflections with respect to specific contexts;
- can apply knowledge for the purpose of i
nterpreting and commenting situations, written and oral texts, videos and social media contents;
- can deal with bibliographies in the anthropological domain.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Common Section: Program for 6 and 9 CFU
This section of the course will explore the principal theories of Cultural Anthropology, with particular attention to the history of the discipline. Key research topics and methodologies employed by anthropologists will be addressed. Core concepts in Cultural Anthropology will be introduced, such as the dichotomy between nature and culture, cultural diversity, various social structures and worldviews, mobility, the environment, and a critical analysis of notions such as race, culture, and ethnicity. Additionally, practices related to identity and belonging will be explored, with a focus on phenomena tied to ethnic identity and its definition.
Additional Section: Program for 9 CFU
This part of the course examines the construction of identity in two distinct contexts. The first focuses on Europe's overseas territories, which serve as a unique setting to study the dynamics of intercultural coexistence and conflict. The second considers an Amazonian Indigenous people who, following contact with Western geneticists, were compelled to reevaluate their conceptions of "belonging," "identity," and "tradition."
This section of the course will explore the principal theories of Cultural Anthropology, with particular attention to the history of the discipline. Key research topics and methodologies employed by anthropologists will be addressed. Core concepts in Cultural Anthropology will be introduced, such as the dichotomy between nature and culture, cultural diversity, various social structures and worldviews, mobility, the environment, and a critical analysis of notions such as race, culture, and ethnicity. Additionally, practices related to identity and belonging will be explored, with a focus on phenomena tied to ethnic identity and its definition.
Additional Section: Program for 9 CFU
This part of the course examines the construction of identity in two distinct contexts. The first focuses on Europe's overseas territories, which serve as a unique setting to study the dynamics of intercultural coexistence and conflict. The second considers an Amazonian Indigenous people who, following contact with Western geneticists, were compelled to reevaluate their conceptions of "belonging," "identity," and "tradition."
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge required.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures
Discussion
Discussion
Teaching Resources
EXAM SYLLABUS FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS
Common Section for the 6 and 9 CFU Program:
S. Allovio, L. Ciabarri, G. Mangiameli (eds.), Antropologia culturale. I temi fondamentali. New edition, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2024. (Chapters 3, 6, and 7 excluded).
U. Fabietti, L'identità etnica. Storia e critica di un concetto equivoco. Rome, Carocci, 2013.
Additional Section for the 9 CFU Program:
Choose one of the following volumes:
L. Volpi, La Selva instabile. Indigeni e genetisti nell'Amazzonia peruviana, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2023. (Sections 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4, 4.7, and 4.8 excluded).
A. Favole (ed.), L'Europa d'oltremare, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2020.
EXAM SYLLABUS FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Common Section for the 6 and 9 CFU Program:
S. Allovio, L. Ciabarri, G. Mangiameli (eds.), Antropologia culturale. I temi fondamentali. New edition, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2024. (Chapters 3, 6, and 7 excluded).
U. Fabietti, L'identità etnica. Storia e critica di un concetto equivoco. Rome, Carocci, 2013.
M. Aime, D. Papotti, Confini. Realtà e invenzione, Turin, Gruppo Abele, 2023.
Additional Section for the 9 CFU Program:
Choose one of the following volumes:
L. Volpi, La Selva instabile. Indigeni e genetisti nell'Amazzonia peruviana, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2023. (Sections 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4, 4.7, and 4.8 excluded).
A. Favole (ed.), L'Europa d'oltremare, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2020.
Common Section for the 6 and 9 CFU Program:
S. Allovio, L. Ciabarri, G. Mangiameli (eds.), Antropologia culturale. I temi fondamentali. New edition, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2024. (Chapters 3, 6, and 7 excluded).
U. Fabietti, L'identità etnica. Storia e critica di un concetto equivoco. Rome, Carocci, 2013.
Additional Section for the 9 CFU Program:
Choose one of the following volumes:
L. Volpi, La Selva instabile. Indigeni e genetisti nell'Amazzonia peruviana, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2023. (Sections 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4, 4.7, and 4.8 excluded).
A. Favole (ed.), L'Europa d'oltremare, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2020.
EXAM SYLLABUS FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Common Section for the 6 and 9 CFU Program:
S. Allovio, L. Ciabarri, G. Mangiameli (eds.), Antropologia culturale. I temi fondamentali. New edition, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2024. (Chapters 3, 6, and 7 excluded).
U. Fabietti, L'identità etnica. Storia e critica di un concetto equivoco. Rome, Carocci, 2013.
M. Aime, D. Papotti, Confini. Realtà e invenzione, Turin, Gruppo Abele, 2023.
Additional Section for the 9 CFU Program:
Choose one of the following volumes:
L. Volpi, La Selva instabile. Indigeni e genetisti nell'Amazzonia peruviana, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2023. (Sections 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4, 4.7, and 4.8 excluded).
A. Favole (ed.), L'Europa d'oltremare, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2020.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral and consists of an interview aimed at assessing knowledge of the prescribed texts and evaluating competencies in the theoretical framework, methodology, and research themes of the discipline.
During the examination, the following aspects will be assessed:
- the depth of theoretical knowledge;
- the ability to provide examples to illustrate concepts;
- the precision and appropriateness of terminology.
During the examination, the following aspects will be assessed:
- the depth of theoretical knowledge;
- the ability to provide examples to illustrate concepts;
- the precision and appropriateness of terminology.
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Volpi Laura
Professor(s)