Cultural Anthropology
A.Y. 2025/2026
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; -ability to understand and critically analyze the cultural construction of the concepts of success and failure through the examination of different ethnographic cases.
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 design - Awareness of the responsibility in applied anthropology - Ability to question the natural character of the concepts of success and failure, linking them to social, political, and economic processes
Lesson period: Third 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
Third trimester
Course syllabus
Module 1 - The History and Foundations of Anthropological Thought (60 hours)
This module explores the key stages in the development of anthropological thought, both as a knowledge of difference—dedicated to thinking about, understanding, and describing cultural otherness—and as a critical discipline, aimed at deconstructing common-sense assumptions. Students will examine major epistemological paradigms, from evolutionism to the anthropology of contemporaneity, with particular attention to core concepts and themes such as:
* Culture and cultural relativism
* Participant observation
* Gift and ritual
* Ethnic identity
* *Habitus* and agency
Readings will include selected foundational texts, which will be analyzed and discussed in class to provide a deeper understanding of the evolution of anthropological discourse.
Module 2 - Anthropology of Success and Failure in Contemporary Societies (20 hours)
The second module engages students in a critical reflection on the notions of success and failure in today's globalized world. Using a comparative anthropological approach, the course will address:
* The cultural and social expectations shaping imaginaries of success and failure
* Diverse expressions and experiences of failure in global societies
* The meaning of success and failure in contexts of migration, return, and new beginnings
* Adaptive strategies and resources mobilized by individuals in the aftermath of perceived failure
* The relationship between imaginaries, social (and social media) narratives, and the construction of subjectivity, with a focus on youth experiences
This module encourages students to critically analyze how anthropological tools can illuminate contemporary challenges and to reflect on the role of culture in shaping personal and collective trajectories.
This module explores the key stages in the development of anthropological thought, both as a knowledge of difference—dedicated to thinking about, understanding, and describing cultural otherness—and as a critical discipline, aimed at deconstructing common-sense assumptions. Students will examine major epistemological paradigms, from evolutionism to the anthropology of contemporaneity, with particular attention to core concepts and themes such as:
* Culture and cultural relativism
* Participant observation
* Gift and ritual
* Ethnic identity
* *Habitus* and agency
Readings will include selected foundational texts, which will be analyzed and discussed in class to provide a deeper understanding of the evolution of anthropological discourse.
Module 2 - Anthropology of Success and Failure in Contemporary Societies (20 hours)
The second module engages students in a critical reflection on the notions of success and failure in today's globalized world. Using a comparative anthropological approach, the course will address:
* The cultural and social expectations shaping imaginaries of success and failure
* Diverse expressions and experiences of failure in global societies
* The meaning of success and failure in contexts of migration, return, and new beginnings
* Adaptive strategies and resources mobilized by individuals in the aftermath of perceived failure
* The relationship between imaginaries, social (and social media) narratives, and the construction of subjectivity, with a focus on youth experiences
This module encourages students to critically analyze how anthropological tools can illuminate contemporary challenges and to reflect on the role of culture in shaping personal and collective trajectories.
Prerequisites for admission
The course requires knowledge of twentieth-century history and the history of philosophy.
Teaching methods
Certo! Ecco una traduzione fluida e accurata in inglese:
The course will alternate between lectures, moments of debate, case studies, guest lectures by anthropologists, and discussion of short audiovisual materials.
All materials used during the lessons will be available on the course's MyAriel page and on the Teams platform
The course will alternate between lectures, moments of debate, case studies, guest lectures by anthropologists, and discussion of short audiovisual materials.
All materials used during the lessons will be available on the course's MyAriel page and on the Teams platform
Teaching Resources
Attending and not-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)
- Masi, Gabriele, Fallire la migrazione. Esperienze senegalesi di ritorno dalla Rotta Centrale Mediterranea, Arcoiris, 2024
-a text yet to be decided
- 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)
- Masi, Gabriele, Fallire la migrazione. Esperienze senegalesi di ritorno dalla Rotta Centrale Mediterranea, Arcoiris, 2024
-a text yet to be decided
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral and graded on a scale of thirty.
It consists of questions on the texts included in the syllabus and a critical discussion of the topics covered during the course, aimed at assessing the achievement of the intended learning objectives
It consists of questions on the texts included in the syllabus and a critical discussion of the topics covered during the course, aimed at assessing the achievement of the intended learning objectives
M-DEA/01 - DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY - University credits: 12
Lessons: 80 hours
Professor:
Biscaldi Angela
Professor(s)