Cultural Anthropology and Ethnology

LAURA PICCARDI

The course aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the methodological, critical and applicable aspects of the Discipline; it proposes geographical areas and sectorial perspectives in which related projects are activated; it shows the variability of fields of interest; it enables the student to master the specific topics in order to use them and apply them in other fields of study while using the correct specific language. With the acquired knowledge the student will be able to develop autonomous ability of connections with other disciplines in the various historical epochs and cultural contexts.

Students will learn general psychology concepts related to cross-cultural psychology, religion, and literature.

No prerequisite

This course offers an in-depth exploration of essential cognitive and emotional processes, diving into a variety of intriguing topics such as attention, emotion, motivation, perception, learning and memory, mental imagery, language, reasoning, problem-solving, and moral reasoning. Each psychological concept will be examined through a cross-cultural and religious lens, enriching your understanding of these processes in diverse contexts. To prepare for the examination, the professor will provide a concise overview of the selected monographic texts at the course's outset, ensuring you are well-equipped for your studies.

Handbook:
DL Schacter, DT Gilbert, M Nock, DM Wegner (2018) Psicologia Generale. ZANICHELLI;
Choose 1 book of the following:
Kandel E.R. (2016) Arte e Neuroscienze. Raffaello Cortina Editore.
Mastandrea S. (2015) Psicologia dell’Arte. Carrocci Editore.
Poggi I. (2022) Psicologia della Comunicazione. Mondadori Editore.
Cavalli-Sforza F (2017) L’inganno delle religioni. Codice Edizione
Dehane S. (2018) Cervello e coscienza . Castelvecchi
Anolli L. (2011) La mente multiculturale. Laterza

Teaching focuses on the course topics mentioned in the syllabus, the lecturer uses PowerPoint slides. In the classroom, designed for sharing materials and information, slides are uploaded for the students. In addition, each year, there are practice activities in the coursework to support the lectures on the topics covered during the course.

Participating in the course fosters the acquisition of knowledge, while taking part in practical activities consolidates theoretical concepts.

Students will undergo assessment through a written examination featuring 31 multiple-choice questions, each with four alternatives, of which only one answer is correct. An in-progress test will be conducted during the course, providing students the opportunity to become familiar with the examination format. Additionally, practical activities related to the course topics will be incorporated into the schedule.
To successfully pass the examination, students must achieve a minimum score of 18 out of 30 in each module. Demonstrating a solid understanding of the course material is essential. To earn the prestigious mark of 30 out of 30 cum laude, students are required to exhibit exceptional mastery of all topics addressed in the course, employing linear reasoning alongside appropriate technical terminology and precise language.

Here are some commonly requested topics:
Classical and operant conditioning,
perceptual principles,
Moral reasoning,
psycho-social development,
consciousness and attention

• First Lesson
  • Books: Schacter et al.General Psychology chapters 1-2


• Second Lesson
  • Books: Schacter et al.General Psychology chapters 3-4


• Third Lesson
  • Books: Schacter et al.General Psychology chapters 5-6


• Fourth lesson
  • Books: Schacter et al.General Psychology chapters 6-7


• Fifth lesson
  • Books: Schacter et al.General Psychology chapter 6-7