The main objective is a reconsideration of the problem of power, in relation to mass phenomena and collective violence, from a theoretical and cultural comparative perspective, in order to identify certain founding structures of the social of a universal character, albeit with different explications in the various epochs and civilisations. Students should be able to identify the direct and indirect reflections of these phenomena in ordinary social experience and everyday life, applying the tools of theoretical analysis to concrete events.
A second, more specific objective concerns the in-depth study of war as a 'double mass' phenomenon, closely linked to the theme of power as 'survival', as well as to a classic problem of political theory, that of sovereignty. Here too, students will be required to be able to apply the tools of theoretical analysis acquired to contemporary experience. 

1) Introduction to anthropology: cultural anthropology and/or social anthropology? Political anthropology as a specific dimension of social anthropology.
2) Cultural differences and collective identities. Outlines of the history of anthropology.
3) Socio-anthropological significance and originality of the work of Elias Canetti - Concept of 'mass' in Canetti.
4) Characters and typologies of the masses.
5) Symbolism of mass and nationality.
6) Typology of the 'mute'.
7) Masses and religions.
8) The double masses. The double mass of war.
9) Power and survival.
10) Figures of the 'survivor'.
11) Command structures.
12) Antidotes to 'survival'. The metamorphosis.
13) Power as "antimutation". The fate of the "survivor".
14) Reading Canetti at the time of the Covid

1. Knowledge and understanding: the aim is to acquire a critical look at the apparent evidence and obviousness of the social, trying to grasp the fundamentals.
1.1 Students achieve this basic knowledge by actively and dialogically participating in lectures and analytically studying the proposed texts.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding by referring what has been learnt to common experience, also using news events and the productions of the imagination, such as the various forms of art.

2.1 Classroom discussions, seminars, lectures, film screenings.

3. Making judgements: critical reflection using multidisciplinary approaches.

3.1 This ability is manifested in classroom discussions with the lecturer and among colleagues, in in-depth seminars, in examinations.

4. Communication skills: an important element of judgement is responsiveness to the lecturer's promptings, active intervention in classroom discussions and the ability to propose reflections and objections.

4.1 These skills are acquired progressively by becoming accustomed to a participative and critically attentive attitude during lectures and discussions.

5. Learning skills: students must develop the ability to learn critically and comprehend in depth, giving a secondary role to memorisation; they must, without unnecessary presumption, maintain autonomy of judgement and the ability to propose divergent and alternative visions regarding the hypotheses put forward.

5. 1 These skills will be acquired on the various occasions of teaching interaction.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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

Supplementary seminars and other activities of possible interest to students will be communicated in class at the beginning of the course.
Teaching materials and specific communications from the lecturer will be available, together with other supporting activities, on the Moodle platform http://blended.uniurb.it/

Teaching

Lectures supplemented with audiovisual material

Innovative teaching methods

Attendance

The student should have the normal degree of general culture that is to be expected at this level of studies, particularly as regards knowledge of contemporary history and the ability to express himself correctly in Italian. If the student is aware that he/she has gaps in historical information, he/she is strongly advised to revise the textbook adopted in the last year of high school. The study of the texts on the syllabus must focus on the understanding of fundamental concepts and the ability to express them correctly in one's own words. Purely mnemonic study is not appreciated.

Attendance is not compulsory. Attendance of at least ¾ of the class hours is required for the qualification of attending.

Course books

1) Canetti E., Massa e potere, Milano, Adelphi, 1992 e segg.

2) Essays and downloadable materials from the moodle page of the discipline

Assessment

The examination is individual and is conducted orally only. All students will be asked to begin the presentation with a topic of their choice. Knowledge of all the texts on the syllabus will be tested. Mere mnemonic study is not appreciated and does not guarantee passing the examination. The level of general culture and the ability to express oneself correctly and clearly will influence the grade. The ability to carry out relevant personal considerations will be highly appreciated. The highest grade (thirty with honours) will be awarded to students who, in addition to having no major gaps in the syllabus, demonstrate a critical sense, good argumentative skills and effective exposition. 

At the student's request, a term paper (optional) may be discussed during the exam, to be handed in at least ten days before the exam. The writing of the thesis does not exempt the student from studying in full and only has a positive effect on the grade if it is of good quality, otherwise it will not be taken into account.

The status of non-attending student does not have a negative effect on the grade.

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.

Teaching

Individual study, which we recommend supplementing with talks with the lecturer, by appointment, in the case of difficulties in understanding the texts. For simpler questions, contact via e-mail will suffice.

Attendance

The student should have the normal level of general culture that can be expected at this level of studies, particularly as regards knowledge of contemporary history and the ability to express himself correctly in Italian. If the student is aware that he/she has gaps in historical information, he/she is strongly advised to revise the textbook adopted in the last year of high school. The study of the texts on the syllabus must focus on understanding the fundamental concepts and the ability to express them correctly in one's own words. Purely mnemonic study is not appreciated.

It is strongly recommended that the teacher be consulted for any serious difficulties in understanding the texts encountered in individual study.

Course books

1) Canetti E., Massa e potere, Milano, Adelphi, 1992 e segg..

2) Alfieri L., De Simone A. (a cura di), Leggere Canetti. "Massa e potere" cinquant'anni dopo, Perugia, Morlacchi, 2011. 

3) Essays and downloadable materials from the moodle page of the discipline

Assessment

The examination is individual and is conducted orally only. All students will be asked to begin the presentation with a topic of their choice. Knowledge of all the texts on the syllabus will be tested. Mere mnemonic study is not appreciated and does not guarantee passing the examination. The level of general culture and the ability to express oneself correctly and clearly will influence the grade. The ability to carry out relevant personal considerations will be highly appreciated. The highest grade (thirty with honours) will be awarded to students who, in addition to having no major gaps in the syllabus, demonstrate a critical sense, good argumentative skills and effective exposition. 

At the student's request, a term paper (optional) may be discussed during the exam, to be handed in at least ten days before the exam. The writing of the thesis does not exempt the student from studying in full and only has a positive effect on the grade if it is of good quality, otherwise it will not be taken into account.

The status of non-attending student does not have a negative effect on the grade.

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.

Examination and bibliography can be in English on request. The teacher is available to follow students / internships on subjects that are consistent with those of the teaching