University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2010-2011Last update : 11/04/2011
ANTH0004-1  Anthropology of nature
Duration :  30h Th
Credits/ECTS :  
Master in Anthropology, in-depth approach, 1st yearSecond semester3
Master in Anthropology, in-depth approach, 2nd yearSecond semester3
Master in Anthropology, Teaching Focus, 1st yearSecond semester3
Master in Anthropology, specialized approach in applied anthropology, 1st yearSecond semester3
Bachelor in Information and Communication, 3rd yearSecond semester4
Bachelor in Information and Communication, 3rd yearSecond semester3
Master in History of Art and Archeology : General, Research Focus, 1st yearSecond semester5
Master in History of Art and Archeology : General, Teaching Focus, 1st yearSecond semester5
Master in History of Art and Archeology : General, Professional focus in Museology , 1st yearSecond semester5
Holder(s) :  Lucienne Strivay
Language :  French language
Course contents :  The course (in the form of lectures and discussions with students) re-examines the epistemological conditions of the idea of nature in Western anthropological thought, and the current symbols for it and causes of possible changes to it. Beyond the operational usefulness of the Western subdivision between nature and culture, it is also useful to observe in different cultural systems the means of registering beings in a general system, taking account of their dynamism, their proprieties and the way in which they are involved in human usage. These representative devices adjust group practices and behaviours in a specific way.
Comparative analysis of the social means of constituting what exists highlights the relativism of our scientific proofs and allows us to explain, and even avoid, misunderstandings and disputes which arise from the contact of different misgivings about nature, upon which incompatible ecological or economic options depend.
This approach may be applied to situations which occur between two Western social actors or development agencies and the groups they address, such as the new collective hybrids which are created around the world by the phenomenon of globalisation.
Course objective :  Acquisition of knowledge and analysis methods allowing for constructive relativism in our understanding and resolution of questions relating to relationships between human groups and non-humans and the environment.
Prerequisites :  None.
Organization :  Duration and term: 30 hours of theory in the 1st term.
Place of teaching and times: See http://cipl82.philo.ulg.ac.be/horaires
Teaching and learning methods: lectures and student discussions.
Written notes :  No syllabus.
Reference works:
Philippe Descola, Par-delà nature et culture. Paris Gallimard, 2005;

Bruno Latour, Nous n'avons jamais été modernes. Essai d'anthropologie symétrique, Paris, La Découverte, "L'armillaire", 1991.

A short bibliography and a reading portfolio will be distributed to students.
Assessment :  Written work and oral presentation.
Contacts :  Lucienne STRIVAY
Departement of the Arts and Sciences of Communication
7, place du 20-août, 4000 Liège
Tel. 04 366 32 43 - Fax. 04 366 51 84
E-mail lucienne.strivay@ulg.ac.be
Secretariat
Anne-Marie d'Acchille
Tel. 04 366 32 79


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