OVERVIEW

The course is an introduction to African studies, a field which is relatively little known in Italy. The course will offer an overview of the main stages in the evolution of this discipline and it will underline how Anthropology was the first discipline to represent Africa from Africans' point of view.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Getting acquainted with African studies, a field which is relatively little known in Italy. Having a good knowledge of these themes: stages in the theoretical evolution of this discipline; key concepts in anthropology; fundamental elements of sub-Saharan cultures (particularly ritual universes and art). Developing specific competencies within this field and being able to promote the knowledge of African cultures.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Developing specific competencies within this field and being able to promote the knowledge of African cultures.

The course is designed to provide students with interpretative and professional skills.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of the vocabulary of anthropology and the main schools of thought within the ethno-anthropological disciplines.

Teaching methods

Seminar course

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Major themes in African Studies' research.

Power and Politics of Dress.

The Black Lives Matter movement has brought on the global scene today what everyone already knew: skin color and body visible forms are strong elements of pride and discrimination. Power Dressing practices are one of many ways through which Black cultures, in Africa and the diaspora, strengthen their identity, widening the range of action of the body. Black African contemporary artists creatively engage about these cultural practices, experiencing new modes to perform individual and collective bodies. They use textiles as a powerful tool to address a range of social-political issues and to explore their identity in a globalizing world. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Calchi Novati G., Valsecchi P., Africa: la storia ritrovata, Carocci, Roma, 2005

P. E. Lovejoy, Storia della schiavitù in Africa, Giunti/Bompiani, Milano, 2019

Marc Augé, Chi è dunque l'altro?, Raffaello Cortina Editore, Milano, 2019 

Exam Board

MARIA GIOVANNA PARODI (President)

MAURO CAROSIO

MARCO AIME

Teaching methods

Seminar course

Exam description

The exam consists of a conversation during which the candidate shall discuss the contents of the course materials and illustrate the results of a research carried out by him/her.

Assessment methods

The exam comprises one or more general questions and one or more questions on the topics developed during the course