81693 - History of Anthropology (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has an advanced knowledge of the main theoretical models and historical frameworks that underpin the discipline and is able to critically discuss the different currents of thought of the History of the discipline in Europe and outside Europe.

Course contents

Women in the History of Anthropology. Heritage, fights, and the final recognition of women’ anthropology (1900-1980)

The course assumes a good knowledge of the History of Anthropology. Students who have not dealt with the history of the discipline in their studies are therefore advised to consult at least the part on the history of American and Anglo-Saxon anthropology in the recommended textbooks.

In this course, the emergence of the anthropology of women in the United States and England will be dealt with in the first instance. Starting with the two figures of Franz Boas and Bronislaw Malinowski, the biographical paths of some women, their direct and indirect pupils, will be analysed.
In the last part of the course, the birth of women's and feminist anthropology will be analysed.

Readings/Bibliography

One text of your choice from the following:

1-Larson F., Le intruse. dalle aule di Oxford ai confini della civiltà. Storie di donne che volevano scoprire il mondo, Milano, Utes, 2021.

-2 King C., La riscoperta dell'umanità. Come un gruppo di antropologi ribelli reinventano le idee di razza, sesso e genere nel secolo XX, Torino, Einaudi, 2020.

Teaching methods

The course will consist of lectures supported by audio visual material (when required).

At the end of each lecture there will be a concept checking session to ensure students’ understanding of the themes and issues covered, which will also allow active student participation.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a Spoken tests for both students who have and those who have not attended.

Students who have attended will produce a spoken presentation carried out by two/three students at the time.

* Presentations will be organized in agreement with the teacher and will entail the exposition of a topic agreed to during office hours or in breaks during lessons.

* Students will have to prepare a power point presentation and read a number of articles agreed upon with the professor (if necessary) or give a critical presentation of the chosen itinerary. This will be part of the final assessment, totaling 40% of the grade point average. The presentation will have to explicitly state each student’s contribution.

* The interview will assess student’s skills in synthesizing and expressing themselves in fluent, accurate Italian. Students will have to demonstrate their knowledge of the history of the subject, their ability to connect different aspects of the latter, and to navigate its different schools of thought (debated during lessons and to be found in textbooks)

Assessment scales:

Excellence: attaining a holistic vision of the themes debated in lectures and critical effort showing mastery of the contents and technical language. .

Fair: knowledge by rote and not wholly accurate use of technical language.

Passable: minimal knowledge of topics discussed, (dates and names), without severe errors.

Insufficient: lack of minimal requirements (that is those for passable assessment).

Teaching tools

The frontal lessons will be supported by Power Point presentations. The Power Point presentation will be uploaded in the “Teaching materials” section of this website.

Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students .

Office hours

See the website of Zelda Alice Franceschi