Cultural Anthropology
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide: - knowledge of the main epistemological paradigm of cultural anthropology: - knowledge of the ethnographic method and its transformations during the twentieth century; - knowledge of key terms of anthropology (culture, cultural relativism, gift, ritual, identity, habitus, agency) and ability to apply them for the analysis of events in the contemporary world; - reflective, critical skills, aptitude for dialogue and participation; - knowledge and skills on the fundamental themes of anthropology of family: ability to understand and analyze as well to reflect - through the examination of various ethnographic cases - on the cultural construction of family relations.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student should possess: - In-Depth Knowledge of the concept of culture and ethnography; - knowledge of the major anthropological theories and ability to use them to interpret and to analyse daily life - Critical thinking skills needed to compare different cultural contexts; - Ability to apply anthropological Knowledge and understanding in relation to the construction of research desig - Awareness of the responsibility in applied anthropology - Reading skills, also useful for application purposes, to grasp the connections between ways of conceiving distinctions between genders, the kinship system and forms of social inequality.
Lesson period: Second trimester
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 trimester
Course syllabus
In the first three modules we study the fundamental moments in the history of anthropological thought as knowledge of difference (which aims to think, understand and describe cultural otherness) and as critical knowledge (whose purpose is the deconstruction of our common sense).
We therefore face the main epistemological paradigms, from evolutionism to contemporary anthropology, focusing on the main concepts and themes of anthropological knowledge (culture, cultural relativism, gift, ritual, identity, habitus, agency).
A space will be given to reading and commenting on exemplary passages in the history of anthropological thought.
The fourth module is reserved for the anthropology of family. Through an interactive teaching method, based on the classroom discussion of selected articles and passages, we will question ourselves on the role of the family, filiation and kinship in global society.
We therefore face the main epistemological paradigms, from evolutionism to contemporary anthropology, focusing on the main concepts and themes of anthropological knowledge (culture, cultural relativism, gift, ritual, identity, habitus, agency).
A space will be given to reading and commenting on exemplary passages in the history of anthropological thought.
The fourth module is reserved for the anthropology of family. Through an interactive teaching method, based on the classroom discussion of selected articles and passages, we will question ourselves on the role of the family, filiation and kinship in global society.
Prerequisites for admission
The course requires the knowledge of twentieth century history and history of philosophy.
Teaching methods
The teaching of the course offers lectures, practical exercises, case studies, guest lectures, video projection.
Slides, educational material, references will be available at the end of each lesson on the course website abiscaldi.ariel.ctu.unimi.it end in Team
Slides, educational material, references will be available at the end of each lesson on the course website abiscaldi.ariel.ctu.unimi.it end in Team
Teaching Resources
Attending Students:
Fabietti, Ugo, Storia dell'antropologia, quarta edizione, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2020 (capitoli 2,3,4,6,8,9,11,13,14,15,17,18,20 e relative letture)
- Grilli, Simonetta, Antropologia delle famiglie contemporanee, Carocci, Roma, 20129
A book chosen among
- Quagliariello, Chiara, L'isola dove non si nasce. Lampedusa tra esperienze procreative, genere e migrazioni, Unicopli, Milano, 2021
-L. Ferrero, Protagoniste in secondo piano. Femminilità egiziane tra mobilità e immobilità, CISU, Roma, 2018
-Biscaldi, Angela, Danna Daniela, Quagliariello Anna, Nella pancia delle donne. Prospettive socio-antropologiche sulla gravidanza nella società globale, Ledizioni, Milano, 2023
- Zecca, Raul, Mastico y trago. Donne, famiglia e amore in un batey domenicano, Edit Press, Firenze, 2023
-Guerzoni, Corinna, Sistemi procreativi. Etnografia dell'omogenitorialità in Italia, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2020
Not attengind students
- Fabietti, Ugo, Storia dell'antropologia, quarta edizione, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2020 (capitoli 2,3,4,6,8,9,11,13,14,15,17,18,20 e relative letture)
- Grilli, Simonetta, Antropologia delle famiglie contemporanee, Carocci, Roma, 20129
- Quagliariello, Chiara, L'isola dove non si nasce. Lampedusa tra esperienze procreative, genere e migrazioni, Unicopli, Milano, 2021
Fabietti, Ugo, Storia dell'antropologia, quarta edizione, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2020 (capitoli 2,3,4,6,8,9,11,13,14,15,17,18,20 e relative letture)
- Grilli, Simonetta, Antropologia delle famiglie contemporanee, Carocci, Roma, 20129
A book chosen among
- Quagliariello, Chiara, L'isola dove non si nasce. Lampedusa tra esperienze procreative, genere e migrazioni, Unicopli, Milano, 2021
-L. Ferrero, Protagoniste in secondo piano. Femminilità egiziane tra mobilità e immobilità, CISU, Roma, 2018
-Biscaldi, Angela, Danna Daniela, Quagliariello Anna, Nella pancia delle donne. Prospettive socio-antropologiche sulla gravidanza nella società globale, Ledizioni, Milano, 2023
- Zecca, Raul, Mastico y trago. Donne, famiglia e amore in un batey domenicano, Edit Press, Firenze, 2023
-Guerzoni, Corinna, Sistemi procreativi. Etnografia dell'omogenitorialità in Italia, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2020
Not attengind students
- Fabietti, Ugo, Storia dell'antropologia, quarta edizione, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2020 (capitoli 2,3,4,6,8,9,11,13,14,15,17,18,20 e relative letture)
- Grilli, Simonetta, Antropologia delle famiglie contemporanee, Carocci, Roma, 20129
- Quagliariello, Chiara, L'isola dove non si nasce. Lampedusa tra esperienze procreative, genere e migrazioni, Unicopli, Milano, 2021
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam is an oral exam where students will discuss topics covered during the course.
Attending students have to write a report on anthropology of family that is a prerequisite to the oral exam.
Attending students have to write a report on anthropology of family that is a prerequisite to the oral exam.
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 12
Lessons: 80 hours
Professor:
Biscaldi Angela
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)