Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
| Master in history of art and archaeology : general (120 ECTS) | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit 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; they are entangling too with unsettled strengths through contexts and character. 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.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
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.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
None.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)
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.
Recommended or required readings
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 methods and criteria
Written work and oral presentation.
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
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