OVERVIEW

Introduction of the main themes of cultural anthropology, from the secular nature/culture debate, to analysing the complexity of human societies through the concepts of variability, differentiation, adaptation, ecology and cultural strategies.These keys to understanding will allow us to understand how cultures evolve in space/time, developing practices, beliefs and symbolic systems closely linked to the environment and socio-historical context of reference.Particular attention will be paid to the knowledge of demo-ethno-anthropological traditions present in the territories subject to tourism development, recognising their cultural value. The processes of patrimonialisation, musealisation and spectacularization of culture will be addressed, analysing their ethical and political implications in the field of tourism.Critical tools will be provided to avoid reductionist approaches to cultural diversity, enhancing forms of experiential and participatory tourism.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course introduces the main themes of anthropology, starting from the debate on nature and culture, to exploring the complexity of human societies through key concepts such as variability, adaptation, ecology, and cultural strategies. The objective is to comprehend the evolution of cultures across space and time, with an eye on the environment and socio-historical context. Particular attention will be given to the ethno-cultural traditions of areas with tourism potential, with the aim of enhancing their cultural significance and promoting conscious and sustainable engagement. The course will examine the processes of heritage-making, musealisation, and the spectacularisation of culture, with particular attention to their ethical and political implications in the context of tourism.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
Students will acquire foundational knowledge and theoretical competences in the following areas:
– Understanding the theoretical foundations of cultural anthropology applied to tourism, with particular attention to the concepts of adaptation, heritage-making, and identity (LO 1).
– Comprehending the cultural and symbolic dynamics that shape tourism practices across different territorial contexts (LO 1).
– Recognising the role of demo-ethno-anthropological traditions in the development and enhancement of tourism offerings (LO 1 and LO 3).

Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will develop the ability to apply knowledge critically in the following areas:
– Applying methods and techniques of anthropological research (participant observation, interviews, analysis of practices and rituals) to the study of tourism contexts (LO 2).
– Collecting and interpreting ethnographic data to understand the relationships between tourists and local communities (LO 2 and LO 3).
– Assessing the social and cultural impact of tourism practices on local heritage and identities (LO 3).

Making Judgements
Students will develop the capacity to:
– Critically reflect on the role of culture in tourism interactions, avoiding stereotypical or reductionist approaches (LO 3).
– Thoughtfully evaluate the ethical and political implications of heritage enhancement within the tourism sector (LO 3).

Communication Skills
Students will acquire specific abilities to:
– Clearly and appropriately communicate anthropological concepts and arguments in both academic and professional settings (LO 1 and LO 2).
– Interact respectfully and interculturally with various stakeholders (local communities, tourism bodies, cultural operators) (LO 3).

Learning Skills
Students will develop the ability to:
– Independently continue their study and stay updated on themes related to the anthropology of tourism, expanding their competences through scientific sources and case studies (LO 1 and LO 2).
– Integrate anthropological knowledge into an interdisciplinary vision of sustainable and participatory tourism (LO 3).

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements

TEACHING METHODS

The course is structured around lectures, complemented by group discussions, guest speakers, analysis of photographic and audiovisual materials, and visits to cultural sites of anthropological interest. These activities are designed to ensure active student engagement and continuous interaction with the instructor, fostering a participatory and interdisciplinary learning environment.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Definition and fields of study of Anthropology

Human adaptation and human evolutionary ecology

The concept of culture, cultural diversity in human evolution

Anthropological and ethnographic tourism

Anthropology and ethnography itineraries (Museum of Ethnomedicine A. Scarpa of the University of Genoa, Nature Museums, Ecomuseums, Parks)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

ATTENDING STUDENTS
The teaching material prepared by the lecturer and further bibliography can be found on the Moodle AulaWeb platform.

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Students who are unable to attend should contact the lecturer to arrange additional reading.

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course will be held in the first semester.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For attending students, consists of preparing a paleoanthropological and anthropological-naturalistic itinerary project of the student's choice. The project must be exhibited with the aid of slides in a time frame of ten minutes. Contributing to the determination of the grade will be the evaluation of the project in terms of originality and innovativeness, comprehensiveness of treatment, ability to synthesize and correct use of bibliographical references (maximum of 15 points) and the oral exposition in terms of clarity of presentation and ability to answer questions posed by the lecturer (maximum of 15 points).

For non-attending students, the final assessment consists of a multiple-choice test with 31 questions, each offering four possible answers, only one of which is correct. One point will be awarded for each correct answer, while incorrect or unanswered questions will receive zero points. The test must be completed within 30 minutes.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The examination aims at assessing the level of knowledge and understanding of the course content, as well as the student's ability to develop autonomous reflections and arguments on the issues under discussion.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with DSA certification ("specific learning disabilities"), disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods that, in compliance with the teaching objectives, take account of individual learning arrangements and provide appropriate compensatory tools.