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2026-2027 / SOCI2247-1

Arts and culture in the city

Duration

18h Th, 12h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in anthropology, research focus5 crédits 
 Master in Sociology, professional focus in migration and ethnic studies (Finalité spécialisée en Migration and Ethnic Studies)6 crédits 
 Extra courses intended for exchange students (Erasmus, ...) (Faculty of social sciences)6 crédits 

Lecturer

Elsa Mescoli

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course aims to introduce students to urban anthropology, with a particular focus on cultural diversity and artistic practices expressed in the city. It will begin with theoretical lectures on the "urban turn" in anthropology, at the intersection of sociological studies of urban immigration, with a particular focus on ways of understanding public space. Next, methodological sessions will focus on "at-home" ethnography and its implementation through visual mapping and walking methods, which are viewed as tools for observing, perceiving, and analyzing sociocultural issues in the city.

At the same time, students will apply the theoretical and methodological concepts covered in class through a field study conducted in a neighborhood of their choice in the city of Liège. The first step will involve selecting and traversing a short route in order to produce a preliminary analysis of manifestations of cultural diversity and artistic practices based on the sensory experience of the space (particularly the visual experience). In a second phase, selecting a specific site and meeting with its social actors - identified during the initial exploration - will allow students to examine the ways in which culture and the arts contribute to how people live in the neighborhood. These field activities will be presented in class and as part of the exam assignments.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

By the end of this course, students will be familiar with the main theoretical and methodological developments in urban anthropology and will have put this knowledge into practice through an empirical study carried out in the city of Liège, with a focus on arts and culture.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

As the course is taught in English, a good command of the language is required to take part.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course will include lectures, presentations and readings by students, guest speakers (subject to confirmation by the speakers) and practical activities. Subject to feasibility, the course will also include one or more thematic guided tours of the city of Liège.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face (unexcused absences will negatively affect the overall grade); compulsory readings and active participation in class; practical activity. Students who are unable to attend the course, especially for work reasons, are requested to contact the teacher. If the number of students enrolled is less than 10, the course can be organised differently.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- MyULiège


Further information:

Readings will be indicated during the course and available via MyULiège. Some of these readings are compulsory and necessary for class discussions.

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam

- Remote

written exam

Written work / report

Continuous assessment


Further information:

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam

Written work / report


Further information:

The assessment will comprise: 1) a written assignment summarising and analysing the fieldwork process, including the presentation of the visual map and the objectivation of the ethnographic approach in the light of the course themes and the theoretical and methodological contributions drawn upon (10 points - 50 %); 2) an oral examination covering the course content and the readings communicated in class (10 points - 50 %). Both parts of the exam are mandatory. Delivering the mapping/analysis assignment is a prerequisite for taking the oral exam.

Work placement(s)

/  

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

The course takes place in the first semester. The timetable and room can be consulted via Celcat.

Contacts

Elsa Mescoli
E.Mescoli@uliege.be 

Chargée de cours en Anthropologie des migrations
CEDEM - Centre d'études de l'ethnicité et des migrations
LASC - Laboratoire d'anthropologie sociale et culturelle
Université de Liège, Faculté des Sciences Sociales
Place des orateurs 3 (Quartier Agora), bât. 31, bte 24
4000 Liège - Belgique
Tél. : 00 32 4 366 30 51

https://www.cedem.uliege.be/cms/c_5198178/fr/cedem-elsa-mescoli

https://www.lasc.uliege.be/cms/c_3366094/en/mescoli-elsa 

https://orbi.uliege.be/simple-search?query=mescoli
 
Contact method: by email (with the possibility of making an appointment).

Association of one or more MOOCs

The MOOC entitled 'Migrations internationales : Comment les mobilités transforment les sociétés ? (H2)' is associated with this course.


Further information:

Participation in the MOOC is useful but not compulsory.

See https://www.fun-mooc.fr/en/courses/from-international-migration-to-superdiversity-how-human-mobilit/