Cultural Anthropology
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a general knowledge of the basic concepts, theoretical frameworks and methodological instruments of Cultural Anthropology.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student - knows: a) the theoretical fundamentals of Cultural Anthropology; b) knows the main perspectives of anthropological reflection about culture, worldviews, cultural diversity; c) knows the main methodological instruments and the basic bibliographic elements of intellectual work in the field of Cultural Anthropology.
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
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Theoretical approaches and research perspectives in Cultural Anthropology. The development of the discipline and urban ethnography.
Part 1
The first part of the course is dedicated to an introduction to cultural anthropology, considering the development of major schools of thought. Through the discussion of the main authors and the main research themes, it will be possible to bring out the methodologies, the issues and the contribution of the anthropologists who have studied the similarities and cultural differences between the different human groups.
Part 2
The second part of the course will reflect on the centrality of ethnography to understand the indigenous meanings. Different texts and approaches to the discipline will be compared, showing the close correlation between anthropological theories and the practice of ethnography.
Part 3
The third part of the course will analyze the role of ethnography in contemporary urban contexts. These contexts often become an arena in which creativity and forms of cultural resistance are expressed. Through ethnography it is possible to bring out social practices and world views.
Part 1
The first part of the course is dedicated to an introduction to cultural anthropology, considering the development of major schools of thought. Through the discussion of the main authors and the main research themes, it will be possible to bring out the methodologies, the issues and the contribution of the anthropologists who have studied the similarities and cultural differences between the different human groups.
Part 2
The second part of the course will reflect on the centrality of ethnography to understand the indigenous meanings. Different texts and approaches to the discipline will be compared, showing the close correlation between anthropological theories and the practice of ethnography.
Part 3
The third part of the course will analyze the role of ethnography in contemporary urban contexts. These contexts often become an arena in which creativity and forms of cultural resistance are expressed. Through ethnography it is possible to bring out social practices and world views.
Prerequisites for admission
The course does not require previous knowledge
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons
Teaching Resources
Part 1
One of the following texts, chosen by the student:
Fabietti Ugo, Storia dell'antropologia, Zanichelli 2011.
Dei Fabio, Antropologia culturale, il Mulino 2016 (seconda edizione).
Deliège Robert, Storia dell'antropologia, il Mulino 2008.
Part 2
Deren Maya, I cavalieri divini del vudù, Il saggiatore 2018
For non attending students
Deren Maya, I cavalieri divini del vudù, Il saggiatore 2018
Pennacini Cecilia, Filmare le culture. Un'introduzione all'antropologia visiva, Carocci 2015.
Part 3
Roncaglia Sara, Canti urbani. Trasformazioni del lavoro e degli spazi di vita a Mumbai, Cortina 2019.
One of the following texts, chosen by the student:
Fabietti Ugo, Storia dell'antropologia, Zanichelli 2011.
Dei Fabio, Antropologia culturale, il Mulino 2016 (seconda edizione).
Deliège Robert, Storia dell'antropologia, il Mulino 2008.
Part 2
Deren Maya, I cavalieri divini del vudù, Il saggiatore 2018
For non attending students
Deren Maya, I cavalieri divini del vudù, Il saggiatore 2018
Pennacini Cecilia, Filmare le culture. Un'introduzione all'antropologia visiva, Carocci 2015.
Part 3
Roncaglia Sara, Canti urbani. Trasformazioni del lavoro e degli spazi di vita a Mumbai, Cortina 2019.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam includes only the final oral test consisting of a discussion-interview on the topics discussed during the course, aimed at verifying the knowledge of the recommended texts. To achieve the 6-credit exam, it is required to study the program relating to the first and second teaching units.
Teaching Unit 1
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Teaching Unit 2
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Teaching Unit 3
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours