Programme

The course is structured around a common section that offers an overview of topics and issues in urban anthropology and ethnographic methodology, followed by discussion and support for group projects, divided according to the workshop channels. The first part addresses the basic elements of anthropological research – the concept of culture, overcoming “race”, relativism/ethnocentrism, ethnic identity, and the analysis of processes from the colonial situation to globalisation and the multicultural situation. The paths of urban studies will then be explored in depth: the birth of the city, between civilisation and Babel; reflections on urban modernity in the dialogue between Europe and the United States, with Toennies, Durkheim, Simmel, then Park with Chicago, with urban ecology between street corner society and ghetto, and finally the Los Angeles/New York models. This will be followed by the paths of the “ethno-city” in Africa, with dynamism and situational analysis. Next, we will return to the old continent with the urban policies of the glorious 30s, the concepts of gentrification and the right to the city. Finally, we will explore the methodology of ethnographic research, particularly in urban contexts, starting from new perspectives, overcoming classical objectivism and taking a participatory approach, up to the analysis of critical areas of the current global multiculturalism. In the second part, the project work of the groups in the individual channels will be shared, analysed and discussed.

Attendance

Attendance is not mandatory. However, participation in the course is recommended for a greater understanding of the disciplinary debate, the sharing of bibliography and online materials in the classroom , for active participation in the ensuing discussions also on projects in classroom. The course indeed is structured around a common section that offers an overview of topics and issues in urban anthropology and ethnographic methodology, followed by discussion and support for group projects, divided according to the workshop channels.

Type of evaluation

the project work of the groups in the individual channels will be shared, analysed and evaluated

Programme

The course is structured around a common section that offers an overview of topics and issues in urban anthropology and ethnographic methodology, followed by discussion and support for group projects, divided according to the workshop channels. The first part addresses the basic elements of anthropological research – the concept of culture, overcoming “race”, relativism/ethnocentrism, ethnic identity, and the analysis of processes from the colonial situation to globalisation and the multicultural situation. The paths of urban studies will then be explored in depth: the birth of the city, between civilisation and Babel; reflections on urban modernity in the dialogue between Europe and the United States, with Toennies, Durkheim, Simmel, then Park with Chicago, with urban ecology between street corner society and ghetto, and finally the Los Angeles/New York models. This will be followed by the paths of the “ethno-city” in Africa, with dynamism and situational analysis. Next, we will return to the old continent with the urban policies of the glorious 30s, the concepts of gentrification and the right to the city. Finally, we will explore the methodology of ethnographic research, particularly in urban contexts, starting from new perspectives, overcoming classical objectivism and taking a participatory approach, up to the analysis of critical areas of the current global multiculturalism. In the second part, the project work of the groups in the individual channels will be shared, analysed and discussed.