Anthropology of Tourism

Tourism systems encompass a large and diverse range of human groups. Residents and visitors interact constantly, thus triggering intercultural encounters that have to be properly understood in order to promote an industry that is sustainable and positive for all agents involved. Through this course students will understand tourism systems from an anthropological point of view and explore the complex relations between "hosts and guests." Students will review the main anthropological theories and approaches to the current tourism debates, including the cultural effects of tourism on local destinations, power and control struggles over resources and livelihoods, as well as positive and negative impacts of tourism over nature and culture. In this course, students will develop the capacity to critically address contemporary issues in the field of tourism and will learn to apply and appreciate theoretical and practical anthropological research methods. Links between this subject and other topics such as cultural heritage, sustainable development and tourism resources will help students to understand the complex processes governing the tourism industry.

Course will consist of 60hrs of in class work and 90 hrs of independent work outside the classroom.