Environmental Anthropology
A.Y. 2023/2024
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: 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
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) A collection of essays that will be provided at the beginning of the course.
2) Philippe Descola, Oltre natura e cultura, Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2021 (first, second, third and fourth part)
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
Philippe Descola, Oltre natura e cultura, Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2021 (fifth part and epilogue)
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams
1) A collection of essays that will be provided at the beginning of the course.
2) Philippe Descola, Oltre natura e cultura, Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2021 (first, second, third and fourth part)
3) T. Ingold, Ecologia della cultura, Milano, Meltemi, 2004
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam
Philippe Descola, Oltre natura e cultura, Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2021 (fifth part and epilogue)
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) A collection of essays that will be provided at the beginning of the course.
2) Philippe Descola, Oltre natura e cultura, Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2021 (first, second, third and fourth part)
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
Philippe Descola, Oltre natura e cultura, Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2021 (fifth part and epilogue)
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams
1) A collection of essays that will be provided at the beginning of the course.
2) Philippe Descola, Oltre natura e cultura, Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2021 (first, second, third and fourth part)
3) T. Ingold, Ecologia della cultura, Milano, Meltemi, 2004
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam
Philippe Descola, Oltre natura e cultura, Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2021 (fifth part and epilogue)
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
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Mangiameli Gaetano
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Friday 12 am - 3 pm. Contact me by email.
Department of Philosophy "Piero Martinetti", Icehouse Courtyard, first floor