In line with the learning objective of the Laurea Magistrale, we aim to provide a sound preparation in specific thematic fields of the anthropological discipline. This course offers an introductory overview of the Anthropology of Migration by illustrating its theoretical foundations and historical development, and exploring the relationship between migration, globalization and the formation of new forms of family structures and communities that can be met in migratory contexts.

Following a brief introduction about the fundaments of Cultural Anthropology, the basic topics of the Anthropology of Migration will be the object of the first part of the course and particular attention will be places on its origins in the 1920s’ and to its actual growing relevance within the anthropological discipline. Classic anthropological issues such as ethnicity and gender identity, kinship and family networks, power and exchange relations as well as more recent issue (diasporic identities, transnational networks, forms of citizenship) will be tackled through the lens of the migrations field.

The existing categorial, legal and administrative distinction between economic/voluntary migrations and political/forced ones will be tackled at a second stage. The proliferation of labels to classify migrants, and related forms of their inclusion/exclusion, control, containment and detention, or deportation will be object of presentations. In particular, main differences the management and the study of migration between the global North and the Global South will be highlighted. Examples of early migrations across the Indian Ocean will be part of the material proposed to the students.

Discussion will also be solicited through the vision of a number of video documentaries on migration issues which will be used as a study tool.

It is expected that students will acquire advanced and specific knowledge of main authors, concepts and debates within the Anthropology of Migration. The students’ ability to learn about this specific field will be enhanced by encouraging the students’ autonomy and critical abilities, through lectures, seminar sessions and debates.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

The course offers an introductory part on the bases of cultural anthropology. Thereafter a historic and theoretical presentation of the discipline will be presented; the final part will alternate lectures with at least 8 hours of seminars of selected readings and essays presented by the students.

 

Attendance

Attendance is not compulsory. During the year there will be a number of seminars in Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology to which all students are welcome to participate.

Assessment

Students will undertake an oral exam. This will be a discussion aiming at assessing the acquired basic notions, the ability to apply such notions to specific cases, and to critically discuss selected topics. Questions will address notions acquired while attending the course, and the texts for those who attended the classes. Students who didn’t or could not attend the lessons will undertake an oral exposition of the texts specifically listed for “non – attending students”. Erasmus students and any other wishing students may prepare for the examination and take it in English, studying texts specifically selected upon previous agreement with the teacher.

 

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

The students who have followed previous years and ahve already bought their books can undertake the exams with such books.