ETHNOGRAPHY

The teaching is part of the fundamental lessons common to all the ACEL graduate course addresses. Key-topics in Ethnography.

Knowledge of the main theoretical options and practical methodology of contemporary ethnography. Knowing how to apply the basic methods of ethnographic research.

Good knowledge in Cultural Anthropology and History of Anthropology.

In the first part of the course, starting from some basic lessons with historical perspective, some basic elements of the ethnographic method and the concept of ethnography will be examined, such as the relationship between experience and theory, the idea of "field", the practice of "participant observation" and the problem of positioning. The second part of the course will focus in particular on: a) one of the most important tools of ethnography: the fieldwork diary; and b) on one of the most interesting areas of ethnographic practice: everyday objects. What does it mean to do object ethnography? Based on the critique of the concept of "material culture", we will examine some aspects of the cultural and affective importance of objects, particular sources for historical and social research, which establish complex relationships with memory, the sacred and the body.

Compulsory books:

1) Collections of essays, "L'esperienza etnografica", 2020, in download via Moodle (at the beginning of the lessons).
2) F. Dei, P. Meloni, "Antropologia della cultura materiale", Carocci, 2015.
3) F. Ponge, "Il partito preso delle cose", Einaudi, 1979.
4) I. Calvino, "Palomar", Mondadori, 2002.

Important: Students must always bring the program of the current academic year. Under no circumstances can they bring old past academic programs.

For a better exam result it is strongly recommended to attend lessons. Students who do not attend the lessons must prepare the volume: Geertz C., “Opere e vite. L’antropologo come autore”, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1990.

emporary modification of the exam due to Covid-19 emergency.
Writing a written report on a course topic plus an oral interview.
In the "Exam test" field of the Moodle there is a pdf with instructions for completing and presenting the written report.
Registration for the Moodle is mandatory.

Lectures with use of power points and readings commented in the classroom.

Italian

The course is compulsory in all Acel study plans and given that it focuses on methodological setting of major field research in anthropology, attendance is strongly recommended. The course is not an alternative but conceptually complementary to the Methodology of Anthropological Research. Although on different themes and lessons, both courses aim to provide complete preparation for fieldwork research.

In order to apply for Master's thesis in Social Anthropology SP, the following requirements are essential:

1. have passed the examination of Social Anthropology SP, with a positive outcome and attending.
2. have passed the examination of Ethnography SP, with a positive outcome and attending.
3. discussion of a short preliminary research project.

Erasmus students are required to speak correctly in Italian. The exam for Erasmus students must be in Italian.

written