University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2010-2011Last update : 11/04/2011
COMU2144-1  Natural history of human communication
Duration :  30h Th
Credits/ECTS :  
Bachelor in Sociology and Anthropology, 3rd yearFirst semester3
One-year preliminary programme leading to the Master in AnthropologyFirst semester3
Bachelor in Information and Communication, 2nd yearFirst semester4
Bachelor in Information and Communication, 3rd yearFirst semester4
Holder(s) :  Véronique Servais
Language :  French language
Course contents :  The course is an introduction to the natural history of human communication. First it rapidly present the evolution of communication in the animal kingdom. Then human communication is presented as it has evolved from primatic ancestral forms. The more recent theories about what is specifically human in communication (apart language!) are proposed. The following topics are discussed : the attachment theory; social cognition in dogs, monkeys, apes and children; facial expressions as biologically and culturally bounded; interactional synchrony, mother-baby interaction, empathy, intersubjectiviy. The aim is to indentify what makes human communication and interaction so special and how it opens up to cultural invention.
Course objective :  Regarding the content : to provide knowledge about the evolution of communication in a broad perspective. The aim of the course is also to insist on non-verbal communication as the fundamental structure of all (verbal or not) exchanges.
Regarding more transversal competencies : students are expected to learn to write a well argued text on the basis of scientific papers.
Prerequisites :  1- To have passed the course "Theories of communication". If not, the student must read :
- Watzlawick P., J.H. Beavin & D. D. Jackson (1972). Une logique de la communication. Paris, Seuil.
- Winkin, Y. (1986-2000). La nouvelle communication. Paris, Seuil.
2/ To be able to read, understand and synthetize a paper in english.
Workshops :  4 hours of practical exercices in small groups are organized in order to help the students to read and understand the english scientific papers.
A "blank" examination is organized and the students may have personnal feed-back for it.
Organization :  The teaching is ex cathedra. The course has a strong visual support (slides and film) that is provided to the students via the MyULg portal.
Teaching is at the first term, 2 hours/week, plus 4h exercices. Location and precise agenda to be determined. See
http://cipl82.philo.ulg.ac.be/horaires (http://cipl82.philo.ulg.ac.be/horaires" target="_blank)
Written notes :  The scientific papers that are discussed during the course are made available on an electronic form on the MyULg portal. The ppt presentations are also posted on the portal.
Assessment :  The examination is a written dissertation. Using the scientific papers that have been studied during the courses, the students must write an articulate and well structured text. An optional blank examination is organized at mid-term for students who want to better appreciate what is expected of them.
Contacts :  Teacher
Véronique SERVAIS, chargée de cours
Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales
Bd du Rectorat, Bât B31
Sart Tilman
4000 Liège
+ 32 4 366 32 08
E-mail v.servais@ulg.ac.be
Secrétariat ISHS
Alexia Mainjot
Tél. 04 3662756
Secrétariat ASC
Evelyne Libens
Tél. 04 366 32 86
Remarks :  Not available


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