Ateneo - UPO

Introduction to cultural and environmental anthropology, with particular attention to the relationships between food, culture, and the environment

1. B. LATOUR, F. TRUONG, 2023, How to Inhabit the Earth: Interviews with Nicolas Truong, John Wiley ans Sonds Ltd.
2. R.W. KIMMERER, 2024, The Serviceberry: An Economy of Gifts and Abundance, Allen Lane, London.
3. R.W. KIMMERER, 2013, Braiding Sweetgrass. Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and Teachings of Plants, Penguin Random House UK.
4. A. GHOSH, 2021, The Nutmeg’s Curse. Parables for a Planet in Crisis, John Murray Publishers, London.
5. A.L. TSING, 2015, The Mushroom at the End of the World. On the Possibility of Life in Capitalist Ruins, Princeton University Press, Princeton and Oxford.

Objectives:
-Knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts and tools of cultural anthropology
-Awareness of diverse worldviews and the ability to step back from ethnocentric bias
-Critical thinking skills required to deconstruct stereotypes related to the concepts of "nature" and "culture"
-In-depth understanding of the connections between cultural anthropology, ecological issues and food production/consumption
-Ability to discuss course topics orally using appropriate vocabulary

A good knowledge and understanding of English + Standard study and comprehension skills expected at a university-level diploma.

The course consists of 24 hours of teaching. Lectures will be supported by PowerPoint slides, audiovisual materials, and various active learning methods.
The course will be divided into two parts: 1. a general introduction to cultural anthropology and the anthropological concept of culture; 2. a second part of environmental anthropology with a specific focus on the production, distribution and consumption of food. Several case studies will be explored and discussed in class.
Since the course follows a progressive learning path and relies on participatory teaching methods, regular attendance from start to finish is essential. Students are expected to be punctual and to participate throughout the entire class.
Attending all classes is strongly recommended.
Students must enroll on the DIR platform (www.dir.uniupo.it) to access course materials and announcements.

Professor's Email: annalisa.dorsi@uniupo.it
Office Location: Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, Laboratorio di Antropologia Visiva, ground floor of Palazzo Tartara, via Galileo Ferraris 109, Vercelli.
Office hours: Friday 9.30-10.30, by appointment.

Students with physical disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) can request support services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage:
https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Once contacted the University Support Office, they should reach out to the professor to arrange appropriate exam accommodations, concerning academic aspects.

ORAL EXAM.

To be eligible to take the exam, students must attend at least 50% of the Anthropology course. Otherwise, they will be required to retake the course in the following academic year.
An exception can be made solely for students who have experienced serious, documented health issues. These students must contact the professor immediately after the course ends and provide valid medical documentation. ONLY IF their justification is deemed valid will they be permitted to take the exam. In this case, they will be assigned additional study material by the professor.

Regarding the oral exam: students will be asked a flexible number of questions depending on their responses. They must demonstrate that they have thoroughly studied and critically integrated the course content, while using appropriate academic terminology.

The course is structured as follows:
- Overview of the innovative approach offered throughout the course regarding eating disorders from a socio-anthropological perspective, analysing the complex interrelationships between food, culture, and the environment.
- Introduction to the history of the concept of culture. Anthropological and ethological definitions of culture. Critical use of the concept of culture.
- Introduction to Cultural Anthropology. Definition of key concepts and tools: ethnography, holism, anthropocentrism, anthropomorphism, reification, cultural relativism, ethnocentrism, and racism.
- A brief overview of the relationship between culture and science.
- Introduction to Environmental Anthropology and critical analysis of the nature/culture dichotomy. Introduction to the concept of sustainability and the socio-cultural dimensions of the "Anthropocene". Brief study of indigenous ecologies.
- In-depth analysis of the relationship between food and culture, and presentation of the assigned course readings on food, culture, and the environment.
- Integration of the gender dimension in course content: approaches to grant equal benefits in actions and activities for women and mens and for eliminating gender inequalities.

- To develop a solid understanding of key concepts and methodologies in cultural anthropology.
- To develop a critical awareness of the human/nature dichotomy.
- To develop a solid capacity for critical analysis of food from a sociocultural perspective.
- To demonstrate a thorough reading and understanding of the study materials.
- To know and use appropriate terminology.