INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF AMERICA

The course aims to provide an overview of the long process that, starting from the early stages of colonial history, led to the construction of those indigenous identities that have never stopped confronting the majority societies surrounding them. The focus therefore will be on the indigenous components, seen as the result of complex and composite processes, and on the relationship that has been built between them and their respective national state which, in turn, is the result of original and composite articulations. In particular, the perspective will look at the ways in which indigenous peoples try to implement from below, and through an action of presence in public decisions, those principles enshrined by constitutions. In this way they attempt to redefine the rules and the relationship among societies, resources and territory.
Special attention will be given to the interweaving of three variables - heritage, tourism and development projects - which will be addressed by guest speakers from various Latin American countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

The main objective of the class is to provide knowledge on:
1. major themes and problems related to contemporary indigenous America
2. pieces of legislation concerning indigenous peoples
3.important theoretical contributions such as prospectivism.
It is hoped that attendance and active participation in the activities proposed in class in a seminar-like style (seminars given by guest speakers, class presentations, an international conference) along with individual study will allow students to:

1. Understanding
- approach the main themes and problems of contemporary indigenous America
- acquire basic knowledge of the legislative apparatus concerning indigenous peoples
- learn some theoretical trends that animate the present-day scientific debate
2. Ability to apply knowledge
- understand the case studies provided during the seminar lectures
- make the specific contexts presented in class dialogue with a more general and comparative perspective
3. judgement skills
- develop a critical approach to the sources of the literature provided
4. Communication skills
- present an outline of the assigned case-study or provide a written summary of two selected texts

There are no prerequisites even if a knowledge of basic Spanish and of contemporary political geography on Latin America could be very useful

The first lectures are propedeutic aiming to provide a general overview of current issues and problems that contemporary indigenous peoples, regardless of their specific context and history, have to face: land, legislation, tourism, development projects among others. Secondly, space will be given to case studies that, as usual, will be addressed by guest speakers from various Latin American countries. Finally, the conceptual apparatus of some schools of thought, that constitute the contribution of contemporary Americanism to 'mainstream' anthropology, will be considered.

References
(some texts can be downloaded)

Schmidt, Tra sciamani rivitalizzazione e turismo. Storia di un fenomeno di globalizzazione religiosa tra i Guaranì del Sud del Brasile
Caiuby, Gioco di specchi (Brasile) (tralasciare la parte generale)
Salvucci, Donne pastore, gauchos e figli del vento (Argentina)
Galli, Migrar trasformandose (Equador)
Scandurra, A la minga. Un altro mondo è (altrove) possibile
Schmidt, Spagna (a cura di) Etnografie collaborative e questioni ambientali (vari paesi)
Franceschi, Etnografia del Chaco argentino
Bollettin, (a cura di) Lèvi-Strauss visto dal Brasile
Cammarata, Rosti ( a cura di) I popoli indigeni e i loro diritti in America Latina
Di Eugenio,Venturoli, ( a cura di) Pensare con Abya Yala. Pratiche, epistemologie e politiche dall'America Latina
Gasparello, Martìnez, Territorios mayas en el paso del tren. Riesgos previsibles y posturas independientes sobre el Tren Maya

1) an oral ppt presentation in class regarding an essay assigned by the teacher, which is not necessarily present in the list above. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and generate a debate. The ppt presentation should later be completed and sent to the teacher.
2) active participation in class, especially following the guest speakers' lectures.
3) as an alternative for those not attending : a written report (maximum 2000 words) on two of the texts in the list provided above, followed by an oral exam with the teacher
The final score is comprehensive of participation in class, and ppt presentation or the written report followed by the oral exam

written and oral

The highest rating implies a thorough understanding of the debates, lectures and readings as well as an active contribution to the seminar lectures

The course consists of lectures, seminars by guest speakers, use of video material, ppt presentations by students.

Attendance is highly recommended, but not compulsory. Both attending and non-attending students are invited to contact the teacher and consult the moodle platform with the dedicated course (both in Unive and Unipd).

The University applies the Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) for support services to students with disabilities or specific learning disorders.

This course deals with issues related to the area "Reducing inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of the relevant UN Agenda 2023 goals for Sustainable Development

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development