Course Description
A critical examination and deconstruction of cultural stereotypes of the people vilified as “Gypsies” across Europe. A discussion of the social and economic marginalization of Roma in Europe to a “thick” ethnographic understanding of their history and culture, (e.g., purity beliefs, the importance of family), without romanticizing or essentializing them. Ethnographic works on the various Roma populations in Europe and the United States will track the Roma migration from India to Europe and then on to the Americas.
Athena Title
ROMA Anthropology
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Students will learn about Roma history and the Roma Holocaust. 2. Students will learn to recognize "gypsy" stereotypes. 3. Students will learn to recognize "Antiziganism" or hostility, prejudice, discrimination, and racism directed at the Romani people. 4. Students will learn about the languages and cultural traditions, beliefs, and values of the Roma.
Topical Outline
> History of Roma migration from India to Europe > History of Roma slavery in the Balkans > Post-emancipation in Europe > Roma Holocaust and commemoration events > Current Roma communities in Europe, United States, and South America > Roma stereotypes and antiziganism > Roma civil society and legal strategies to counter antiziganism > Roma music, theater, and artists - with a focus on recognizing stereotypes, especially in film and art > Roma culture and languages (focus on Indian language words)
Syllabus