B1957 - Social and Cultural Anthropology

Learning outcomes

'This general course in social and cultural anthropology is designed to give a first introduction to the historical and contemporary (institutional, regional, theoretical and methodological) transformations which have shaped the discipline over the course of the past century, in order to inspire students to think critically about humanity and human societies in general, and how knowledge about ourselves, other people and the social and natural world(s) we live in are produced and constructed. The course will equip students to approach today’s world from new perspectives. It will train students in ethnographic field research in order to design and conduct ethically-sound, participatory and theoretically-informed qualitative research with people in very different settings, including vulnerable subjects

Course contents

The course comprises three modules.

The first module is dedicated to an exploration of the discipline's main epistemological paradigms and the foundational concepts of anthropological knowledge.

The second module focuses on anthropological research methodologies (e.g., ethnography, observation, interviews) and a critical reflection on research ethics.

Building upon the knowledge acquired in the preceding modules, the third module delves into key contemporary issues, examining various case studies derived from current phenomena. Furthermore, this module is designed to familiarize students with the process of locating articles, essays, and similar materials in specialized journals.

Readings/Bibliography

First module

Fabietti, U. (2023), Elementi di antropologia culturale, Quarta edizione, Mondadori Università.

 

Second module

Bonetti, R., Natali, C. eds. (2024), La pratica della ricerca antropologica. Stumenti e metodologie, Carocci Editore, Roma.

Brightman, M., & Grotti V. (2019), 'The Ethics of Anthropology', in Ron Iphofen (ed.) Handbook of ResearchEthics and Scientific Integrity, Cham, Springer.

Guerzoni, C. S., & Toro Matuk, V. L. (2023). Dialoghi sull’etica. Discorsi e pratiche della ricerca in antropologia. Introduzione. AM. Rivista Della Società Italiana Di Antropologia Medica, 24(56).

Guerzoni, C. S. (2023). Etica della ricerca e processi di revisione etica in ambito antropologico. Analisi comparativa di due percorsi di approvazione etica negli USA e in Italia. AM. Rivista Della Società Italiana Di Antropologia Medica, 24(56).

Toro Matuk, V. L. (2023). Il “rito” del consenso informato e il principio di autonomia. Note di un accesso al campo in una comunità di recupero dalla dipendenza da sostanze. AM. Rivista Della Società Italiana Di Antropologia Medica, 24(56).

 

Third module

A compendium of downloadable articles from national and international journals (the list will be communicated during the course).

Teaching methods

The course is structured through 1. lectures (especially in the first and second part), 2. group discussions on ethnographic cases and audiovisual presentations (especially in the third part), 3. guest lectures by anthropologists.

 

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Assessment methods

Attending Students
The exam is oral. It involves presenting the ethnography you've conducted and engaging in a critical discussion of the topics covered throughout the course.

Your exam grade, evaluated out of 30, will be based on:

1. Active class participation.
2. The evaluation of your ethnography.
3.Your ability to apply concepts learned from the course content and the exam syllabus (including bibliography texts).

Non-Attending Students
The exam is oral. It includes a presentation of your ethnography, a critical discussion of course topics, and an in-depth study of an additional ethnography (which you'll agree upon with the instructor).

Your exam grade, evaluated out of 30, will be based on:

1. Active class participation.
2. The evaluation of your ethnography.
3. Your ability to apply concepts from the course content and the exam syllabus (including bibliography references).
4. An additional agreed-upon textbook.

Teaching tools

Audiovisual resources, lecture slides, expert discussions/guest lectures, in-class practicals.

Office hours

See the website of Corinna Sabrina Guerzoni