The aim of the course is to introduce the concept of culture in the sociological and anthropological sense. After clarifying the meaning of the word ‘culture’, other related concepts will be analyzed: values, norms, lifestyles, attitudes, beliefs, stereotypes. Concepts and methods learnt in the first part of the course will be applied to Italian culture to identify its specific features. Italian-ness will be compared with traits of the American, Northern European and Mediterranean cultural heritage.
Method
The instructor, during class time, will take students to places in Florence that are meaningful for him. Students, at one point of the semester, will take the lead and bring the class to their significant places. In both cases we will carry out simple exercises: observing, taking short notes, pictures and videos. Students will then write the short story of their studying abroad experience.
- This course genuinely supports students’ cultural and social experiences abroad.
- In this course no activity will be carried out outside class time. There will be no field trips on Fridays or during the weekend.
You can download the full syllabus HERE.
