00045 - Cultural Anthropology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student: - is familiar with the general development of the discipline; - understands the theoretical and methodological issues in anthropology, with particular reference to educational and social work contexts; - possesses solid skills in the cultural analysis of social contexts; - understands the history of the concepts of culture and ethnicity and their implications for the analysis and interpretation of situations of social distress and marginalization; - is able to identify the key principles for the appropriate use of anthropological knowledge in future professional practice; - can apply anthropological knowledge to critically interpret migration processes and intercultural mediation; - is capable of translating anthropological theories and methods into a critical and self-reflective approach in professional settings; - can interpret information emerging from the professional context as data to be analyzed through an ethnographic framework; - is able to communicate their interpretations within their working group; - can draw on an ethnographic approach to enhance communicative processes; - is capable of integrating their anthropological knowledge and independently expand their analytical tools.

Course contents

The course is structured in two main parts. The first part aims to build a vocabulary of key concepts debated in anthropology (such as culture, ethnicity, race, etc.), as well as the foundations of ethnographic methodology and ethics (relativism, fieldwork, participant observation, etc.). These concepts will be illustrated through concrete case studies, both historical and contemporary, drawn from various societies around the world.

A global and comparative perspective on society and culture will help develop a critical and reflective outlook, even in relation to more familiar contexts. The second part of the course will introduce ethnographic research in specific professional fields of particular relevance for future graduates, with a focus on the migration sector. This will allow for a deeper exploration of welfare policies, representations and discrimination within institutions and social work, as well as the socio-cultural dynamics and relationships involved in caregiving.

Readings/Bibliography

Both attending and non-attending students are required to prepare the following texts:

- Dei F., Antropologia culturale, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2016, seconda edizione, except for chapters VII, VIII, IX, X, XIII, XIV)

- Vietti, Francesco (2019): Il paese delle badanti. Milano: Meltemi.

- Additional resources on the platform Virtuale

Teaching methods

Teaching will be based on frontal lectures as well as on active learning activities, such as plenary discussions, work in pairs or groups, short exercises, and seminar events. Teaching and learning materials will also be available on Virtuale.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of a written test with both multiple-choice and open questions aiming to ascertain the student's knowledge and abilities acquired during classes and individual study in accordance to the learning outcomes of the course.

The criteria employed to assess students' preparation include: a) knowing how to use the language of anthropology accurately; b) understanding of the analytical, methodological and ethical problems of anthropological concepts and approaches; c) the ability to analyze  social and educational contexts from a cultural perspective.

Teaching tools

Texts, presentation slides, mind maps, video and audio-visuals, e-learning activitites

Students with DSA or disabilities: it is recommended that they contact the responsible University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible. 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, considering the teaching objectives.

Erasmus and other mobility/exchange program students: both the exam bibliography and the assessment methods can be agreed upon with the instructor at least 15 days prior to the exam.

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Gaibazzi