00045 - Cultural Anthropology

Learning outcomes

With respect to anthropology, the student (e) knows the main theoretical perspectives that have been established in the study of cultural diversity (f) the epistemological reflection underlying the construction of anthropological knowledge; (g) the theoretical-methodological problems that the discipline faces in its ethnographic practice; (h) the contribution of anthropology to the study of ecological systems; (i) is able to use anthropological knowledge for a critical reading of the ideological processes of production of scientific thought proper to complex and technologically advanced societies.

Course contents

From study of exotic cultures to analysis of contemporary socio-cultural processes, cultural anthropology has established itself as the scientific study of cultural diversity. In a world characterized by processes of globalisation and, at the same time, differentialist/localist if not nationalist pressures, other professions are also necessarily confronted with the question of cultural diversity in a global world. The course will propose the main paradigms of anthropological reflection through the lens of ethnographic experience and field research.

Readings/Bibliography

Leonardo Piasere, L'etnografo imperfetto. Esperienza e cognizione in antropologia, Laterza 2002

Possible short readings on the platform

Teaching methods

Tought-classes and papers, seminars on case-studies, group-works on ethnographic materials, etc. The active student participation is appreciated. Furthermore, the course will host some in-depth seminars held by professors from Unibo and other universities.

Note that the course is in Italian language; the Unibo offers Anthropology courses in English in other degree programs

Assessment methods

Oral presentation of about 15 minutes in Italian language on a topic indicated in the online platform (virtuale.unibo); the essay must be in Italian language and to be submitted via e-mail in pdf format at least 5 days before the exam date. The paper evaluation criteria are: a) detailed knowledge of the program contents and, specifically, of the books contents; b) language proficiency; c) ability to be consistent with the issue proposed; d) ability to argue and apply the theoretical background to concrete case studies.

Final score based on ../30 (18 is considered the minimum to pass the exam).

Inscription to the exam on Almaesami website.

Students must sign-up to the Alma Esami Portal by the set deadlines in order to attend the exam. Those who failed to enroll in due times for technical-related issues, must promptly report the problem to the Student Administration Office (before the official closing date of the enrollment procedure). The lecturer can allow them accessing the exam.

Teaching tools

Lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations, tutorials, forums and synchronous and asynchronous modes of participation.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanna Guerzoni