OVERVIEW

The course introduces the main themes of cultural anthropology, starting from the nature/culture debate, in order to analyse the complexity of human societies through the concepts of variability, differentiation, adaptation, ecology, and cultural strategies. These perspectives will enable students to understand the evolution of cultures across space and time, with particular attention to practices, beliefs, and symbolic systems in relation to the environment and the socio-historical context. Specific emphasis will be placed on the demo-ethno-anthropological traditions of territories involved in tourism development, acknowledging their cultural value. The course will also address processes of heritage-making, musealisation, and the spectacularisation of culture, with attention to their ethical and political implications in tourism. It will provide critical tools to avoid reductionist interpretations of cultural diversity and to promote experiential and participatory forms of tourism.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

During the course will be presented the fundamental contents of anthropology: from the secular debate on nature and culture, will address the themes of variability, differentiation, adaptation, ecology and the many cultural strategies developed in time and in the Space from different human populations. Particular attention will be given to the basic knowledge of the demo-ethno-anthropological traditions of the territory in order to enhance its tourist aspects, from a non-reductionist point of view.

AIMS AND 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 organised into lectures, complemented by discussion sessions, meetings with experts, analysis of photographic and audiovisual materials, and visits to cultural sites of anthropological interest. The aim is to ensure a high level of active student engagement and to foster continuous interaction with the lecturer, promoting a participatory and interdisciplinary teaching approach.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course addresses the main concepts of anthropology, with particular attention to the relationship between human evolution, environment, culture, and the enhancement of territories. The following topics will be covered:

• definition, areas, and fields of study of anthropology;
• human adaptation, human ecology, and evolutionary ecology;
• the concept of culture and cultural diversity in human evolution;
• anthropological, ethnographic, and demo-ethno-anthropological tourism;
• anthropological and ethnographic itineraries.

Part of the course will be devoted to the analysis of case studies.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography for attending students

Teaching materials prepared by the lecturer, together with additional reading materials, will be made available on the Moodle AulaWeb platform.

Bibliography for non-attending students

Non-attending students are required to contact the lecturer in order to agree on any supplementary readings.

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

The final assessment consists of a written paper analysing a case study related to a palaeoanthropological, anthropological-naturalistic, or demo-ethno-anthropological itinerary. The case study may focus on a site, a museum, a territorial route, a cultural practice, or an experience of cultural tourism. The paper should highlight the historical and cultural context, the relationship with the territory, valorisation strategies, any ethical and political issues, and the main theoretical references.
 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment, in line with the Dublin Descriptors, will take into account: knowledge and understanding of anthropological concepts; the ability to apply them to the case study; independent judgement; clarity and coherence of argumentation; and the informed use of sources.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For students with disabilities, SLD or SEN

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) are reminded that, in order to request exam adjustments, they must first upload their certification to the University website at servizionline.unige.it, in the “Students” section.

The documentation will be assessed by the University Office for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and SLD.

At the beginning of the course, students are advised to contact the lecturer in order to agree on examination arrangements which, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account.

To request compensatory tools or dispensatory measures, students with disabilities or SLD must complete the dedicated webform available at unige.it/disabilita-dsa at least seven working days before the exam.

Students with SEN may instead submit their request by email to the lecturer, copying the Department contact person, Prof. Elena Lagomarsino, and the Inclusion Office. Requests will be assessed by the lecturer and may be approved or rejected.