Cultural Anthropology
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a solid general knowledge of the basic concepts, theoretical frameworks and methodological instruments of Cultural Anthropology, and to enable them to use the anthropological thought as a critical contribution to their own future studies, researches and activities in intercultural contexts.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- knows the theoretical fundamentals of Cultural Anthropology;
- knows the main perspectives of anthropological reflection about culture, worldviews, cultural diversity;
- knows the main methodological instruments (including participant observation as immersive research practice and the comparative method) and and the basic bibliographic elements of intellectual work in the field of Cultural 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 Cultural Anthropology;
- can articulate anthropological reflections with respect to specific contexts;
- can apply knowledge for the purpose of i
nterpreting and commenting situations, written and oral texts, videos and social media contents;
- can deal with bibliographies in the anthropological domain.
At the end of the course, the student
- knows the theoretical fundamentals of Cultural Anthropology;
- knows the main perspectives of anthropological reflection about culture, worldviews, cultural diversity;
- knows the main methodological instruments (including participant observation as immersive research practice and the comparative method) and and the basic bibliographic elements of intellectual work in the field of Cultural 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 Cultural Anthropology;
- can articulate anthropological reflections with respect to specific contexts;
- can apply knowledge for the purpose of i
nterpreting and commenting situations, written and oral texts, videos and social media contents;
- can deal with bibliographies in the anthropological domain.
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
In the first part of the course, key theories of cultural anthropology will be examined in depth, with particular attention to the historical development of the discipline. Students will explore the main research areas and the methodologies used by anthropologists in ethnographic fieldwork. Core concepts will be introduced and critically discussed, including the nature/culture dichotomy, cultural diversity, social structures, cosmologies and worldviews, processes of mobility, and the relationship between humans and the environment. The course will also provide a critical examination of key analytical categories such as race, culture, and ethnicity.
The second part of the course focuses on the application of anthropological perspectives to the study of the contemporary world. It addresses transformations in identity and cultural belonging, with particular emphasis on the meaning of indigeneity today, processes of mobility and migration, forms of association and social participation, and emerging identity configurations shaped by new technologies. Finally, the course examines some of the major global challenges of the contemporary world, including climate change and pandemics, together with their social and cultural implications.
The second part of the course focuses on the application of anthropological perspectives to the study of the contemporary world. It addresses transformations in identity and cultural belonging, with particular emphasis on the meaning of indigeneity today, processes of mobility and migration, forms of association and social participation, and emerging identity configurations shaped by new technologies. Finally, the course examines some of the major global challenges of the contemporary world, including climate change and pandemics, together with their social and cultural implications.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required
Teaching methods
Lectures
Discussions
Discussions
Teaching Resources
EXAM SYLLABUS FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS
S. Allovio, L. Ciabarri, G. Mangiameli (eds.), Antropologia culturale. I temi fondamentali. Nuova edizione, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2024.
C. Lévi-Strauss, Siamo tutti cannibali, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2022.
One volume selected from the following:
E. Fusar Poli, Il contagio della vita comune, Milan, Unicopli, 2025.
S. Allovio, Ricreare mondi. Mobilità e mutuo aiuto tra Kinshasa e Cape Town, Rome-Bari, Laterza, 2023.
L. Volpi, La selva instabile. Indigeni e genetisti nell'Amazzonia Peruviana, Milan, Cortina, 2023.
EXAM SYLLABUS FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
E. Tassan and A. Molinari (eds.), ALIMENTARE IL SOCIALE. Ethnographic perspectives on food production and consumption in contemporary societies, Milan, Ledizioni, 2025 (students are required to study the introduction and five essays of their choice).
S. Allovio, L. Ciabarri, G. Mangiameli (eds.), Antropologia culturale. I temi fondamentali. Nuova edizione, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2024.
C. Lévi-Strauss, Siamo tutti cannibali, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2022.
One volume selected from the following:
E. Fusar Poli, Il contagio della vita comune, Milan, Unicopli, 2025.
S. Allovio, Ricreare mondi. Mobilità e mutuo aiuto tra Kinshasa e Cape Town, Rome-Bari, Laterza, 2023.
L. Volpi, La selva instabile. Indigeni e genetisti nell'Amazzonia Peruviana, Milan, Cortina, 2023.
S. Allovio, L. Ciabarri, G. Mangiameli (eds.), Antropologia culturale. I temi fondamentali. Nuova edizione, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2024.
C. Lévi-Strauss, Siamo tutti cannibali, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2022.
One volume selected from the following:
E. Fusar Poli, Il contagio della vita comune, Milan, Unicopli, 2025.
S. Allovio, Ricreare mondi. Mobilità e mutuo aiuto tra Kinshasa e Cape Town, Rome-Bari, Laterza, 2023.
L. Volpi, La selva instabile. Indigeni e genetisti nell'Amazzonia Peruviana, Milan, Cortina, 2023.
EXAM SYLLABUS FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
E. Tassan and A. Molinari (eds.), ALIMENTARE IL SOCIALE. Ethnographic perspectives on food production and consumption in contemporary societies, Milan, Ledizioni, 2025 (students are required to study the introduction and five essays of their choice).
S. Allovio, L. Ciabarri, G. Mangiameli (eds.), Antropologia culturale. I temi fondamentali. Nuova edizione, Milan, Raffaello Cortina, 2024.
C. Lévi-Strauss, Siamo tutti cannibali, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2022.
One volume selected from the following:
E. Fusar Poli, Il contagio della vita comune, Milan, Unicopli, 2025.
S. Allovio, Ricreare mondi. Mobilità e mutuo aiuto tra Kinshasa e Cape Town, Rome-Bari, Laterza, 2023.
L. Volpi, La selva instabile. Indigeni e genetisti nell'Amazzonia Peruviana, Milan, Cortina, 2023.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final assessment consists of an oral examination. The exam is designed to evaluate students' knowledge and critical understanding of the required readings, as well as their mastery of the theoretical perspectives, research methods, and key themes covered in the course.
The evaluation will be based on:
- knowledge and understanding of the course content and theoretical approaches;
- the ability to explain and critically discuss key concepts, supporting them with appropriate examples;
- the use of accurate disciplinary terminology and clear, effective academic language.
The evaluation will be based on:
- knowledge and understanding of the course content and theoretical approaches;
- the ability to explain and critically discuss key concepts, supporting them with appropriate examples;
- the use of accurate disciplinary terminology and clear, effective academic language.
Modules or teaching units
Part C
SDEA-01/A - Demoethnoanthropological Sciences - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Parts A and B
SDEA-01/A - Demoethnoanthropological Sciences - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor(s)