70025 - Cultural Anthropology.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the students will know the main theoretical and methodological approaches in cultural anthropology; the evolution of concepts such as culture, ethnicity, ethnocentrism, racism; and, finally, how to use some theoretical perspectives in the analysis of social processes such as migration, exclusion and social suffering

Course contents

The course will take place in the second semester of the academic year (February 19^th to May 17^th 2024, at the Cesena Campus of the School of Psychology and Education (address: P.zza A. Moro n. 90 Cesena, FC).

The first part of the course will focus on the definition and history of the anthropological studies. Specifically, we will explore the evolution of concepts such as “culture” and “ethnicity”, the main theoretical paradigms of the discipline, the relationships between cultural anthropology and other social sciences, and methodological issues. We will introduce the distinctive features of the anthropological reasoning, the evolution of ethnographic research, and the key concepts of cultural and social anthropology.

Through empirical examples, the second part of the course will delve into the following themes:

• Fieldwork and ethical issues.
• The anthropological approach to the study of disability.
• Ethnopsychiatry and social suffering.
• Transnational mobility and multicultural societies.
• Migrants’ educational and parenting practices from a gender perspective.

Readings/Bibliography

(Attending and non-attending students)

Palumbo D., Pizza G., Schirripa P. (2023). Antropologia culturale e sociale. Concetti, storia, prospettive, Milano, Hoepli (Except for the following chapters of Part Three: Chap.1 "Antropocene"; Chap. 6 "Immagine"; Chap. 8 "Linguaggio"; Chap. 9 "Mercificazione"; Chap. 13 "Scambiare"; Chap. 15 "Suono").

A handout that will be shared on the Virtuale platform during the course.

Erasmus students: both the exam program and the method of verification of its contents can be agreed upon with the professor.

Teaching methods

In addition to frontal lessons, the course will include the presentation of case studies, interactive lessons characterized by moments of plenary discussion focused on the analysis of the ethnographic materials provided by the professor, and small e-learning exercises. Part of the teaching material presented in class will be shared on the Virtuale platform under the section "non-mandatory ethnographic materials."

Assessment methods

For both attending and non-attending students the exam will consist of a written test made of 3 open-ended questions. To pass the exam, all three answers to the questions must be at least sufficient. The use of the book/handout during the test is not allowed. Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders can contact the professor and the University Services for students with special needs (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) to agree on appropriate evaluation methods, including the possibility of using necessary aids (computing equipment, tutors, etc.).

ssibility of using necessary aids (computing equipment, tutors, etc.).

In specific cases (e.g. students who attended the course in previous academic years, Erasmus students who may request it, etc.), the exam will consist of an oral interview.

The exam aims to assess:

a) the knowledge of the contents of the teaching program, and specifically the theoretical and methodological issues addressed in the book and handout.

b) the ability to re-elaborate, reflectively and critically, the studied topics and to apply the acquired theoretical and methodological knowledge to the analysis of social phenomena such as social distress, marginality/exclusion, and migration.

Specifically, the indicators that will contribute to the assessment are the following:

1. Relevance to/ consistency with the questions asked.
2. Knowledge of the key concepts in cultural and social anthropology.
3. The ability to use the anthropological language correctly.
4. Knowledge of the main issues explored by the analysis of contemporary cultural processes.
5. The ability to use the theoretical and methodological knowledge to critically analyze the cultural phenomena and processes characterizing contemporary society.

The grade is based on a thirty-point scale.

To take the exam, students must register on the Alma Esami platform within the established deadlines.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations, ethnographic case studies, audio-visual materials, e-learning environment.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Crivellaro