Course Topics
Course Introduction and Objectives: As anthropologist Andrew Mathews observes, "Anthropology allows you to be curious about everything, from poetry to history to climate change models. It's a difficult discipline, but we can give answers to problems in a way other disciplines don't." This course provides a comprehensive introduction to anthropological theory and methodology, demonstrating its particular relevance to questions surrounding art, design, and cultural expression. Anthropology distinguishes itself as the discipline that systematically examines socio-cultural relationships, practices, knowledge systems, and the construction of meaning across diverse cultural contexts through ethnographic research. Central to anthropological inquiry is ethnography, where the most compelling analytical challenge lies not merely in documenting verbal exchanges, but in interpreting underlying meanings and recognizing the communicative significance of what remains unspoken. The ethnographic study and analysis of cultural practices constitutes the methodological foundation of anthropological research. Course Framework and Contemporary Relevance: This course contextualizes cultural plurality and diversity within art and design by engaging with pressing contemporary issues. Students will acquire analytical and methodological tools essential for ethnographic research, enabling them to investigate the perspectives and experiences of both human and more-than-human beings through rigorous fieldwork approaches.

Teaching format
This course combines structured lectures with collaborative group work, hands-on exercises, student presentations, and class discussions. This blended approach ensures theoretical grounding while promoting active participation, practical application of concepts, and collaborative learning through critical dialogue and peer engagement.

Educational objectives
Disciplinary competence Knowledge and understanding - have acquired the basic knowledge to be able to turn a critical eye to their own work and to deal with contemporary complexity - have acquired the basic knowledge necessary for further Master's studies in all components of project culture as well as in scientific and theoretical subjects. Applying knowledge and understanding - recognise the main phenomena of contemporary society, to observe them critically, also from an ethical and social point of view, and to elaborate appropriate solutions at the level of a design proposal/response. - make use of the skills acquired during the course of study in the event of continuing studies in a Master's degree programme in the field of design and to develop them further. Transversal competence and soft skills Making judgements - Be able to make independent judgements, both in the critical evaluation of their own work and in their ability to use the right interpretative tools in those contexts in which they will work professionally in design and/or continue their studies, also considering ethical and social aspects. Communication skills - to professionally communicate and substantiate their own decisions and justify them from a theoretical point of view. Learning skills - have acquired basic knowledge in theoretical subjects as well as a study methodology suitable for continuing studies with a Master's degree programme.

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
The course aim is to integrate anthropological perspectives into perception and analysis of cultural crafts and artistic expressions. Additionally, the course will prepare students for a critical engagement with scientific texts and help them develop appropriate academic writing skills. The critical reflection on concepts such as human relationship with nature (ecology) or cultural relativism related to aestetics will lead to new understanding of bottom up approaches and grounded empirics.

Assessment
Assessment is based on written minutes on four main texts as well as on an ethnographic exercise and its written elaboration. Non-attending students will prepare four written minutes on four main texts and write either a critical paper about an ethnographic film or a paper based on main texts discussed during the lecture. The final oral exam will be used to verify the capacity to apply the concepts elaborated in class and instruments relevant to art and design. Assessment Language: English ALL THE STUDENTS ATTENDING THE EXAM AS “OPT” OR AS NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS MUST AGREE UPON THE CONTENTS WITH THE TEACHER.

Evaluation criteria
Evaluation Criteria and Criteria for Awarding Marks: Criteria for the evaluation of the final paper and reading minutes will consider the ability to accurately apply course concepts and methods, the attempt to express original opinions and analyses, and the logical structure of exposition and argumentation.