98918 - Anthropology of African Art (1)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will have mastered the theoretical and methodological approaches that characterise the disciplinary field; they will be able to use the appropriate tools for the study of African art processes from an anthropological perspective, both in their contexts of production and in their trajectories and intertwining with global perspectives; they will acquire awareness of how the study of art can be an effective tool for analysing further aspects of social reality such as the political, social, economic and identity dimensions.

Course contents

Beginning of classes: 8th November 2023

Mo 17-19 Aula Fumagalli, Tu 9.00-11.00 Aula Fumagalli, We. 15-17 Aula Grande, San Giovanni in Monte

 

The course provides a basic overview of various aspects of African visual art, from the end of the 20th century to contemporary movements, and its relationship with the market and artistic discourses globally. Students will learn about some ethnographic cases to understand the role that artistic expressions from certain regions of Africa have played in society, from the colonial context to the postcolonial and contemporary contexts.

With the help of readings, films, and images, the course explores the “cultural biography” of certain objects and artworks of different contexts in West Africa, and the reasons why it can be intentionally destroyed, transformed, renewed, and circulated from the place of production to different global contexts.

The anthropological study of art represents one of many ways to investigate topics related to history, production techniques, as well as territorial policies, legal issues, social organization, and religious beliefs. Anthropology of art, in fact, is part of broader sociocultural aspects.

Readings/Bibliography

3 mandatory readings: for both students attending classes and non-attending classes.

1. Appadurai A., 2021, La vita sociale delle cose, Meltemi, Roma

or alternatively

Fabian J., 2021, Il Tempo e gli Altri, Meltemi, Roma.

2. Preston Blier S., 2023, Storia dell'arte africana, 24 Ore Cultura, Milano.

or alternatively

Bargna I., L'Arte in Africa, Jaka Book, Milano.

or alternatively

Amselle, J.L., 2007, L'arte africana contemporanea, Bollati Boringhieri, Torino.

3. Boas F., 1997, Arte Primitiva, Bollati Boringhieri, Torino.

 

Further suggested readings (not mandatory)

We recommend viewing through Jstore the articles published in the journal African Arts, which presents various studies and research on African art in various contexts on the African continent.

Teaching methods

A wide range of methodologies of teaching will be used to meet a varied set of needs and requests from students. The course will be conducted in a seminar-like fashion, and there will be group activities, with readings, visits to museums, presentations of ethnographic cases and film watchings. An active participation of students is requested, together with their willingness to contribute to the discussion of texts to be studied for the final exam.

Assessment methods

The student will have to hold an individual oral exam on the basis of the suggested bibliography, of the notes from the lectures and of the contributions made by their fellow classmates in class. The final evaluation is cumulative and will keep into account the students' involvement in any phase of the formative process. Active participation in class is integral part of the final evaluation.

In particular, the following items will be tested:

command of theoretical and methodological basic knowledge as taught in lectures and seminars;

command of elements of theoretical knowledge as provided by the bibliographical leads;

capacity to critically scrutinize, observe, describe and analyze the various topics debated in the course;

the student's ability to critically integrate any topics debated in class, their critical use and the command of the scientific language will award them notes of excellence.

The oral exam, with open-ended questions, is aimed at verifying the students’ ability to read critically the documentary sources dealt with over the course. Students are expected to be articulate and to be able to communicate their thoughts and contents with an appropriate language.

In order to pass the exam, the students must get a grade not below 18/30.

In order to hit a score of 30/30 cum laude, students must demonstrate excellent knowledge of all course topics, and to be able to connect them in a logical and consistent way.

Important to note: No special prior knowledge is required; however, familiarity with demo-ethno-anthropological sciences in general and basic anthropological lexicon is desirable.

Teaching tools

Attending students, from October, are kindly invited to subscribe to the following mailing list in order to receive information about possible variations in lecture timetable and rooms:

roberta.bonetti3.antropologiadellarte

Office hours

See the website of Roberta Bonetti