FOLKLORE, INTRODUCTION

This course is part of the supplementary teaching activities within the anthropology curriculum of the three-year degree programme in History.
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the study of traditional folk culture and to the dynamism and vitality of the concept of ‘tradition’.
The history of scholarship in this field will be explored in depth through texts focusing on the concepts of oral culture, ‘subalternity’, folk healing, tangible and intangible anthropological heritage, the transmission of memory and the reinvention of tradition.
Achieving these objectives enables students to integrate the historical and humanistic skills required by the degree programme and to acquire the fundamentals of anthropological methodology.

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Regular attendance and active participation in the course – lectures, readings and discussions, viewing of video material – together with independent study of the examination material will enable students to:

1. Gain an understanding of the origins and development of studies on the traditional culture of the working classes;
2. Study the cultural and social complexity of the working classes;
3. Gain an understanding of the dynamism and vitality of folk traditions;
4. Explore and analyse particularly significant authors and studies in the field of folklore;
5. Learn and experiment with methodologies for the study of folk traditions;
6. Relate ethnographic practice to the relevant academic literature.

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The introductory courses in Cultural Anthropology (“Cultural Anthropology – Introduction – Module 1” and “Cultural Anthropology – History – Module 2”) are prerequisites and must be taken either before or alongside the course “History of Folk Traditions – Introduction”.

The origins and development of the study of folk traditions in Italy;
Forms and functions of folklore;
Forms of preservation and transformation of folk traditions
Analysis of the concepts of tradition and the invention of tradition
Introduction to oral history and the collection and organisation of oral testimonies
Discussions on the concept of hegemonic culture and subaltern culture, and new horizons within the discipline

Fabio Dei, Cultura popolare in Italia. Da Gramsci, all'Unesco, Il Mulino, 2018.
Carlo Ginzburg, Il formaggio e i vermi, Einaudi, 1976
Franca Romano, Laura Malipiero strega, Meltemi, 2003.
Elena Zapponi, La notte delle anguille. Donne, lavoro e relazioni di genere nella Laguna di Venezia, Viella, 2026.

Learning and the skills acquired will be assessed through an oral examination focusing on the texts included in the syllabus; particular attention will be paid to understanding the topics and the ability to make cross-disciplinary connections.

oral

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

17 FAIL
18-20 PASS
Limited comprehension of notions, limited skill of exposition and reflection, no critical capacity
21-23 SATISFACTORY
Sufficient comprehension of notions presented in an unclear and reflexive manner; difficulties in elaborating, and synthesizing ideas
24-26 GOOD
Good comprehension of notions but limited capacity of exposition, reflection, and synthesis
27-28 VERY GOOD
In-depth comprehension of notions that are presented in a clear and articulated manner; remarkable synthesizing capacity and critical reflection
29-30 VERY GOOD
Broad and in-depth comprehension of notions that are presented in an articulated and sophisticated manner. Excellent ability in exposing ideas synthetically, and critical ability
30 CUM LAUDE EXCELLENT
Broad and in-depth comprehension of notions showing an advanced knowledge of broader disciplinary and interdisciplinary debates, a mastery of academic language, and a capacity for original and critical thinking

Lectures during which students will be encouraged to participate actively and will be guided in the analytical and critical reading of the examination texts.