Document summary objectives Course
Course:
ISSU/01 Sociology and Atropology of Design
Year:
2024/2025
Lecturer:
Roberta Bonetti
Syllabus List of topics covered:
Fundamentals of Cultural Anthropology and Sociology
Contemporary Theories of Material Culture
Research methodologies in anthropology and sociology
Ethnography applied to Design: principles and practices
Anthropology of Design: intersections of culture and design
Case studies and empirical research: analysis and critical discussion
Course-specific learning objectives:
Acquire a basic knowledge of Sociology and Cultural Anthropology, with a
special attention to the recent debate on Material Culture.
Critically analyze the processes of creation, production, consumption and dissemination of everyday objects in the context of industry and the mass market.
Acquire the theoretical foundations of the ethnographic approach to design in order to develop skills in critical and contextual analysis of one’s own work.
Understand the complexity of contemporary society by observing its phenomena
main through an ethical and social perspective.
Develop innovative and appropriate design solutions in response to current challenges.
Mode of teaching delivery:
Participatory lessons that stimulate students’ active involvement
Group activities to foster collaborative learning
Group and individual discussions on examination texts
Mode of examination/evaluation:
The student’s final assessment will be based on an individual oral interview that will test
learning of the theoretical and methodological content covered in the course. The process
Evaluative will take into account the student’s consistent commitment at all stages of training
including active participation in lectures and group activities conducted in the classroom.
Evaluation criteria will include mastery of the theoretical and methodological basics provided
during face-to-face and participatory lectures; a thorough understanding of the theoretical concepts found in the reference bibliography; the development of critical thinking and the ability to observe, describe and analyze the topics covered; and the ability to integrate the various topics covered by applying them critically.
Excellence will be awarded to students who demonstrate expressive mastery and appropriate use of discipline-specific language.
Bibliography
- Bonetti R., Natali C., 2024, The practice of anthropological research, Rome: Carocci.
- Miller D. 2013, For an anthropology of things, Milan: Ledizioni.
- Miller, D., 2021, The global smartphone. Not just a technology for young people , London: UCL.
- Ingold T., 2019, Making, Milan: Raffaello Cortina Editore.
- Journal of Material Culture
- Journal of Home Cultures. The Journal of Architecture, Design and Domestic Space