Environmental Anthropology
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a solid knowledge of the concepts, theoretical frameworks and methodological instruments of Environmental Anthropology.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- has a thoroughly adequate knowledge of the anthropological theories concerning the relations between human societies and environments and between humans and non humans, and can identify and discuss the crucial points of Environmental Anthropology;
- understands the lexicon and knows the subjects of the anthropological literature on culture, society and the environment in different contexts;
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools characterising Environmental 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 Environmental Anthropology;
- can apply the knowledge acquired in anthropological domain to discuss theses, rework problems and make critical judgments in relation to the issues addressed in Environmental Anthropology;
- can apply the conceptual structures of the anthropological sciences to the contemporary cultural debate about ecology, environment and non human animals.
At the end of the course, the student
- has a thoroughly adequate knowledge of the anthropological theories concerning the relations between human societies and environments and between humans and non humans, and can identify and discuss the crucial points of Environmental Anthropology;
- understands the lexicon and knows the subjects of the anthropological literature on culture, society and the environment in different contexts;
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools characterising Environmental 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 Environmental Anthropology;
- can apply the knowledge acquired in anthropological domain to discuss theses, rework problems and make critical judgments in relation to the issues addressed in Environmental Anthropology;
- can apply the conceptual structures of the anthropological sciences to the contemporary cultural debate about ecology, environment and non human animals.
Lesson period: First semester (In case of multiple editions, please check the period, as it may vary)
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
The course will be held mainly on Teams in synchronous mode. All lessons will be recorded. The recordings will be available on the Ariel website of the course.
Learning verification procedures: the exam is oral and takes place on Teams, according to the indications provided by the University.
Learning verification procedures: the exam is oral and takes place on Teams, according to the indications provided by the University.
Course syllabus
1. Lessons for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
Introduction to environmental anthropology.
Basic introduction to the theoretical framework, the research subjects and the methodologies of environmental anthropology. The main currents of the discipline will be presented in historical perspective, with specific attention to the following topics: ecology and social organization; complexity in the relationships between society, culture and environment; cultural diversity and environmentalism; indigenous people, resources and environment; environment, religion and ritual; the Nature/Culture dichotomy; humans and non humans in comparative perspective.
2. Additional lessons for 9 ECTS program:
Humans and non humans in environmental anthropology
Examples of anthropological literature will be presented in order to encourage reflections on the methodologies and the theoretical framework of environmental anthropology, with specific attention to indigenous concepts about the relationships between humans and non humans and the contemporary debate on this subject.
Introduction to environmental anthropology.
Basic introduction to the theoretical framework, the research subjects and the methodologies of environmental anthropology. The main currents of the discipline will be presented in historical perspective, with specific attention to the following topics: ecology and social organization; complexity in the relationships between society, culture and environment; cultural diversity and environmentalism; indigenous people, resources and environment; environment, religion and ritual; the Nature/Culture dichotomy; humans and non humans in comparative perspective.
2. Additional lessons for 9 ECTS program:
Humans and non humans in environmental anthropology
Examples of anthropological literature will be presented in order to encourage reflections on the methodologies and the theoretical framework of environmental anthropology, with specific attention to indigenous concepts about the relationships between humans and non humans and the contemporary debate on this subject.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is needed
Teaching methods
Lectures
Debate and discussion
Debate and discussion
Teaching Resources
Readings and assignments for attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) G. Mangiameli, Le abitudini dell'acqua. Antropologia, ambiente e complessità in Africa occidentale, Milano, Unicopli, 2010.
2) One book chosen among the list:
M. Harris, Buono da mangiare, Torino, Einaudi, 2006.
T. Ingold, Ecologia della cultura, Milano, Meltemi, 2004
T. Ingold and G. Palsson (eds), Biosocial Becomings. Integrating social and biological anthropology, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2013.
K. Milton, Environmentalism and cultural theory. Critical anthropological perspectives, London-New York, Routledge, 1996.
R. Rappaport, Maiali per gli antenati. Il rituale nell'ecologia di un popolo della Nuova Guinea, Milano, Franco Angeli, 1979.
M. Sapignoli, R.K. Hitchcock, G. Mangiameli (a cura di), La questione indigena in Africa, Milano, Unicopli, 2017.
A. Favole (a cura di), L'Europa d'Oltremare. Culture, mobilità, ambienti, Milano, Raffello Cortina, 2020 (the section on "Ambiente" only), plus some essays selected by the lecturer
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
S. Consigliere (a cura di), Mondi Multipli I. Oltre la grande partizione, Kaiak Edizioni, 2014.
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) G. Mangiameli, Le abitudini dell'acqua. Antropologia, ambiente e complessità in Africa occidentale, Milano, Unicopli, 2010.
2) One book chosen among the list:
M. Harris, Buono da mangiare, Torino, Einaudi, 2006.
T. Ingold, Ecologia della cultura, Milano, Meltemi, 2004
T. Ingold and G. Palsson (eds), Biosocial Becomings. Integrating social and biological anthropology, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2013.
K. Milton, Environmentalism and cultural theory. Critical anthropological perspectives, London-New York, Routledge, 1996.
R. Rappaport, Maiali per gli antenati. Il rituale nell'ecologia di un popolo della Nuova Guinea, Milano, Franco Angeli, 1979.
M. Sapignoli, R.K. Hitchcock, G. Mangiameli (a cura di), La questione indigena in Africa, Milano, Unicopli, 2017.
A. Favole (a cura di), L'Europa d'Oltremare. Culture, mobilità, ambienti, Milano, Raffello Cortina, 2020 (the section on "Ambiente" only), plus some essays selected by the lecturer
3) P. Descola, L'ecologia degli altri. L'antropologia e la questione della natura, Roma, Linaria, 2013
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
S. Consigliere (ed), Mondi Multipli I. Oltre la grande partizione, Naples, Kaiak Edizioni,
2014.
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) G. Mangiameli, Le abitudini dell'acqua. Antropologia, ambiente e complessità in Africa occidentale, Milano, Unicopli, 2010.
2) One book chosen among the list:
M. Harris, Buono da mangiare, Torino, Einaudi, 2006.
T. Ingold, Ecologia della cultura, Milano, Meltemi, 2004
T. Ingold and G. Palsson (eds), Biosocial Becomings. Integrating social and biological anthropology, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2013.
K. Milton, Environmentalism and cultural theory. Critical anthropological perspectives, London-New York, Routledge, 1996.
R. Rappaport, Maiali per gli antenati. Il rituale nell'ecologia di un popolo della Nuova Guinea, Milano, Franco Angeli, 1979.
M. Sapignoli, R.K. Hitchcock, G. Mangiameli (a cura di), La questione indigena in Africa, Milano, Unicopli, 2017.
A. Favole (a cura di), L'Europa d'Oltremare. Culture, mobilità, ambienti, Milano, Raffello Cortina, 2020 (the section on "Ambiente" only), plus some essays selected by the lecturer
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
S. Consigliere (a cura di), Mondi Multipli I. Oltre la grande partizione, Kaiak Edizioni, 2014.
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) G. Mangiameli, Le abitudini dell'acqua. Antropologia, ambiente e complessità in Africa occidentale, Milano, Unicopli, 2010.
2) One book chosen among the list:
M. Harris, Buono da mangiare, Torino, Einaudi, 2006.
T. Ingold, Ecologia della cultura, Milano, Meltemi, 2004
T. Ingold and G. Palsson (eds), Biosocial Becomings. Integrating social and biological anthropology, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2013.
K. Milton, Environmentalism and cultural theory. Critical anthropological perspectives, London-New York, Routledge, 1996.
R. Rappaport, Maiali per gli antenati. Il rituale nell'ecologia di un popolo della Nuova Guinea, Milano, Franco Angeli, 1979.
M. Sapignoli, R.K. Hitchcock, G. Mangiameli (a cura di), La questione indigena in Africa, Milano, Unicopli, 2017.
A. Favole (a cura di), L'Europa d'Oltremare. Culture, mobilità, ambienti, Milano, Raffello Cortina, 2020 (the section on "Ambiente" only), plus some essays selected by the lecturer
3) P. Descola, L'ecologia degli altri. L'antropologia e la questione della natura, Roma, Linaria, 2013
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
S. Consigliere (ed), Mondi Multipli I. Oltre la grande partizione, Naples, Kaiak Edizioni,
2014.
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 enviromental anthropology.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the topics discusses during the course;
- ability to exemplify concepts;
- adequacy of lexicon
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the topics discusses 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
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
During Covid-19 emergence contact me by email.
Department of Philosophy "Piero Martinetti", Icehouse Courtyard, first floor