30737 - Theories and History of Anthropology (1) (LM)

Course contents

Social action and strategy

On the basis of specific ethnographic cases, the course offers a theoretical study in depth on the concepts of social action and practice. Moulded by cultural values and by rules of behaviour, action will be investigated as a means of reproduction and, at the same time, of choice. Following a historical and analytical study, the course will deal with strategy, interaction, normativeness and social structure.

The course is organized in three modules taught by: Francesca Sbardella, Ivo Quaranta, Luca Jourdan.

Course timetable:

Monday/Tuesday 9-11, via Zamboni 38, room 1

Wednesday 11-13, via Zamboni 38, room 1

Beginning: 29 September 2008 (I Semester)

Readings/Bibliography

1) Douglas M., Come pensano le istituzioni, Bologna, il Mulino, 2008 [tit. or. How institutions think].

2) Bourdieu P., Per una teoria della pratica, Milano, Cortina, 2003 [tit. or., Esquisse d'une theorie de la pratique].

3) Lecture notes for teaching use (available from September at the Department of History, room 42, piazza S. Giovanni in Monte).

The programme is the same both for students who attend the course and for those who do not attend.

Assessment methods

Oral Examination.

Students who attend the course will have the opportunity to write a paper (which will be considered, on request, when assessing the oral examination).

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Sbardella