Learning outcomes

The course, besides introducing the main thematic areas and conceptual apparatus characterizing this discipline, is meant to provide students with tools for critical use of methodological principles and fundamental categories, in view of their application in the complex field of communication.
The course is mainly based on lectures. Relevant texts and documents will also be discussed. Analysis of specific case studies will provide an opportunity to verify the possible applications of an anthropological interpretive approach in the various areas of communication. The drafting of a report will be an opportunity for in-depth study of a subject (agreed with the teacher) chosen according to the interests of each student.

Program

The course is aimed at introducing cultural anthropology as a theoretical and methodological resource to interpret contemporary social and cultural practices. There will be provided basic knowledge of the discipline and skills to use it critically in the various areas of communication. Within an overall vision driven by the comparative method, theoretical perspectives will be introduced that are typical of cultural anthropology, and the fields of application of those; a few central themes will be studied in deep, such as: Fieldwork and evolution of ethnografic methods; Global and local cultures; Diversity and responsibility in explaining, understanding and interpreting; Ethnocentrism and relativism; Memory and history; Capitalization practices; Folklore and popular culture; Intercultural communication. Attention will be also given to the crucial issues of the contemporary debate on “multicultural” society.

Examination Methods