The study of anthropos is an easy target for reductionism: it is often reduced to its cultural or biological aspects. Nevertheless, the nature-culture dichotomy is hardly ever questioned. To be human means to be a product of - and to produce - a specific human world, it means to be immersed in an specific relational environment that shapes our being.
The course offers a broad introduction to the fundamental notions of anthropology (variation, differentiation, phylogenetic evolution); it presents the many biocultural strategies developed by different human populations; and concludes with anthropology of health and illness, and ethnopsychiatry. Particular attention will be paid to the critical analysis of data.
At the end of the course students will be able to
1) expose the fundamental topics and areas of research of contemporary anthropology; 2) remember and connect main anthropological theories and the data upon which they are construed; 3) appreciate human variability and the plurality of existing "human worlds", reading them according to the scientific data presented in the course; 4) critically analyze scientific data and theories, understanding their social, ethical and political implications; 5) analitically develop an anthropological theme through personal research and reading of specific literature; 6) practice an anthropologically sound form of reasoning.
None.
The course is entirely developed through lessons delivered by the teacher or, in some cases, by experts in the anthropological field. If time allows, a short film club can be organized at the end of the course, aimed at conveying, in its minimal form, the sensation known as "anthropological bewilderment".
1) Biological and cultural anthropology: conceptual analysis of the divide.
2) natural hisotry and the theory of evolution.
3) Evolution and genetic in the XX century: history, developments fundamental concepts, intersections.
4) Humans within the living world: evolutionary timeline, systematics, close relatives.
5) Human phylogeny: from missing link to agriculture.
6) Human ontogeny: variability, bio-culture, practices and implicit knowledge..
7) Medical anthropology and ethnopsychiatry.
The 6 CFU program implies the study of the lecture notes (a), one book chosen form the list (b), and two papers chosen from the list (c).
The 9 CFU program implies the study of the lecture notes (a), two books chosen form the list (b), and three papers chosen from the list (c).
Lecture notes and papers are available at the Section of Anthropology's library (tel. 010-2099745, email: elena.limardo@unige.it). Books can usually be found in city libraries, or can be bought in bookshops.
(a) Lecture notes.
(b) Books' list:
(3) Papers' list:
Ricevimento: Monday and Wednesday, 10-12 AM, at the teacher's room: DISFOR Section of Anthropology, via Balbi 4, fourth floor.
STEFANIA CONSIGLIERE (President)
SIMONA PARAVAGNA
CRISTINA ZAVARONI
September 17, 2018.
ANTHROPOLOGY
The exam consists of an interview aimed at assessing the candidates' knowledge of the contents and the reading list of the course (see "Readings/Bibliography" section). In order to pass it, one must (a) know the exam program, i.e., the contents of the lecture notes; (b) develop and in-depth analysis of al least one of the themes presented in the lecture notes through the study of the specialized literature proposed in the Bibliography section. Students will first be asked to expose their in-depth analysis through the chosen literature; after that, their knowledge of the themes presented in the lecture notes will be assessed. Learnign outcomes, assessment method and bibliography are identical both for students who follow the lessons and for those who do not.
Knowledge of the contents of the lecture notes counts for 24/30 of the final vote. The capacity to develop a critical in-depth analysis of an anthropological theme counts for 6/30 of the final vote.
