Main objective of the course is to familiarize the students with:
- general anthropological topics such as the analysis of social transformations, cultural scenarios, multi-religious and multi-ethnic societies, relationships with the Western world;
- specific topics such as the global role of emerging Asian economies, and the environmental implications of such growth;
- in-depth case studies related to the study of local communities, ethnic minorities, and the development of inter-Asian relations,
At the end of the course students are able to:
- Navigate through the main historical processes and contemporary cultural and social transformations of the regions of East Asia, in particular China and Japan;
- Read and understand in a systemic perspective the interdependencies between the regions of the world, in particular those between Asia and the West, and in particular referring to the 19th and 20th centuries;
- Analyze in a critical way contemporary anthropological texts discussing socio-cultural themes specific to the east Asian regions covered.
Knowledge of modern and contemporary history of Europe and Asia.
Frontal lessons, with the support of slides and videos. Class discussion of exemlary case studies.
Written exam on the exam program. See the reading list specific to the language area (Chinese/Japanese).
For attending students: some optional exercises on the topics covered in class will be proposed. Positive evaluation of the exercises can replace part or all of the final written exam.
The course presents elements of cultural history and analysis of contemporary societies of China and Japan. In particular, for the Chinese area, the following topics are discussed:
The cultures of Chinese empires, the concept of Tiānmìng. The relationship with the Arab world, the “Sinicization” of Islam. The development of modern science, its comparison with the European scientific revolution. The cultural revolution, the (de)legitimation of the concept of ethnicity. The globalization of Chinese society and the reconstruction of rites in contemporary China.
In particular for the Japanese area, the following topics are presented: The classic artistic characteristics of Japanese tradition, theater and poetry. The metaphysical meaning and religious history of the traditional Japanese garden. The transition from the Edo period to the contemporary one, comparing the eras’ social economic structures. The birth of Japanese anthropology. The technological revolution.
The course takes place in the 4th sub-term of the academic calendar 2025/26.
