Natural history of human communication, Evolution of communication

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

Véronique Servais

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit 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.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

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 read scientific papers and to write a well argued text on the basis of scientific papers.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

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.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

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.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

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. Additional sessions in small groups are provided to read and understand the scientific papers and to be prepare the examination. Teaching is at the second term, 2 hours/week, plus 4h exercices. Location and precise agenda to be determined. See http://cipl82.philo.ulg.ac.be/horaires

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Recommended or required readings

The scientific papers that are discussed during the course are published by the Liège University Press. The ppt presentations are posted on MyULg.

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Any session :

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

- Remote

written work

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred remote


Additional information:

The assessment is in the form of an open book written assignment. Students are asked to answer several questions based on their reading portfolio. The questions will be posted on e-campus several days before the submission date. Detailed instructions for the written assignment will be available from 19 April.
The work will be submitted as an assignment on e-campus. 
The evaluation will be based on the following points: understanding of the question, richness and understanding of the proposed content, quality of reasoning, respect of formal criteria. 

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

The modalities of teaching as well as those of evaluation are likely to be modified according to the evolution of the epidemic. 

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 Fass Alexia Mainjot Tél. 04 3662756 Secrétariat ASC Evelyne Libens Tél. 04 366 32 86

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