Environmental Anthropology
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
Students will acquire in-depth knowledge and skills on Environmental Anthropology.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire the ability to:
- critically evaluate the source of information and the reliability of data in Environmental Anthropology;
- apply reasoning skills to studies on Environmental Anthropology;
- engage in dialogue with experts in Environmental Anthropology and put into practice the cross-disciplinary nature of philosophy, with the aim of identifying and managing complex issues in a flexible and critical manner in rapidly changing social contexts;
- use interpersonal, communication and organisational skills even in highly complex contexts and in managing group work;
- transfer the skills acquired even in non-specialist contexts;
- reflect on their own abilities and the assessments obtained;
- independently explore a theoretical thesis in depth.
- critically evaluate the source of information and the reliability of data in Environmental Anthropology;
- apply reasoning skills to studies on Environmental Anthropology;
- engage in dialogue with experts in Environmental Anthropology and put into practice the cross-disciplinary nature of philosophy, with the aim of identifying and managing complex issues in a flexible and critical manner in rapidly changing social contexts;
- use interpersonal, communication and organisational skills even in highly complex contexts and in managing group work;
- transfer the skills acquired even in non-specialist contexts;
- reflect on their own abilities and the assessments obtained;
- independently explore a theoretical thesis in depth.
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
A list of essays will be published here soon
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
Modules or teaching units
Parte A e B
SDEA-01/A - Demoethnoanthropological Sciences - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Parte C
SDEA-01/A - Demoethnoanthropological Sciences - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday 2pm-5pm. Contact me by email.
Department of Philosophy "Piero Martinetti", Icehouse Courtyard, last floor