Prof.ssa Anna Casella

. – Cultural Anthropology
PROF.SSA ANNA CASELLA
COURSE AIMS
The course aims to teach students the fundamental concepts of the subject of
anthropology, the main schools of thought and possible applications of
anthropological science to professional contexts. Via reference to scientific
production from classic writers and field research, the course intends to promote a
non ethno-centric mentality within students which is open to the critical reading of
cultural contexts.
COURSE CONTENT
The course offers students a general section related to the history and development
of the ethno-anthropological subject, from its origins to present day theoretical
formulations. Specifically, students will analyse the founding topics of the subject
and current debates, particularly those related to families and relations. Particular
emphasis will be placed on social situations in which social workers and educators
will have to operate. The course considers issues regarding the construction of
married couples and families, behaviour related to care, with reference to current
trends within medical anthropology. On the other hand, students from Linguistic
Sciences will be offered a topic-based programme for the anthropology of Brazil,
with particular emphasis on contemporary issues. As always, there will be some
lectures on ethno-musicology and popular Italian traditions, including
contributions from experts and external figures.
READING LIST
Course reading
1. A.CASELLA PALTRINIERI, Lineamenti essenziali di storia dell’antropologia culturale, (soon to be
published);
2. M. PAVANELLO, Breve introduzione allo studio antropologico della parentela, Nuova Cultura,
Roma, 2007;
3. A. CASELLA PALTRINIERI, Essere coppia oggi, in L. Pati (edited by), La famiglia, rivista di
problemi familiari, Volume 45, page 15-32, La Scuola, Brescia, 2011.
Choose one of the following:
1. A.CASELLA PALTRINIERI, Prendersi cura, Antropologia culturale per operatori socio-sanitari,
Ed. It., Firenze, 2011;
2. A.CASELLA PALTRINIERI (CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING), Incontri transatlantici: il Brasile negli
studi dell’antropologia italiana, Atti del Convegno di studi del 27-5-2011 (Brescia), Nova
Logos, Roma, 2012 (recommended for Linguistic Science students).
3. A. CASELLA PALTRINIERI, Dalla città immaginata alla vita urbana, Il processo di inurbamento a
Miranda do Norte, Franco Angeli, Milano, 2000 (recommended for Linguistic Science
students).
N.B. The reading list for the course also includes all material on the Blackboard platform.
TEACHING METHOD
Lectures will include the support of summaries and audiovisuals (mainly on the
computer), brief illustrative films, iconographic documentation. The course will also be
accompanied by seminar-type periods during which topics, research and contemporary
writers from cultural anthropology and ethnology will be presented.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
Final oral examination.
NOTES
Further information can be found on the lecturer's webpage at
http://docenti.unicatt.it/web/searchByName.do?language=ENG or on the Faculty notice
board.