Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Teaching will focus on the general evolution of techniques, from prehistory to the twenty-first century, mainly in the West but also in non-European cultures (Islam, pre-Columbian and the Far East).
This evolution is examined from the point of view of cultural anthropology: technology as part of culture (in the anthropological sense); as an act of creation or transformation of a material object or as an act of adaptation or transformation of the environment.
Following a detailed introduction in which various definitions and thoughts on several concepts (including "technology" in the animal world) will be discussed, the general evolution of technology will be examine in chronological terms. The major steps in this development are prehistory (from the Oldowan to the Neolithic Revolution), protohistory (Chalcolithic and Bronze Age), Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, the High Middle Ages and the "industrial revolution", the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution in the seventeenth century, the Enlightenment and the beginnings of the "first industrial revolution," the nineteenth century (first and second industrial revolution) and the twentieth century (the third industrial revolution). To conclude, a final reflection on the evolution of technology and its future will be examined, and attention will be drawn to its continual impact on the ecosystem.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
This teaching does not consist of an introduction to industrial archaeology or preparation for historical research methods in the history of technology, or the philosophy of technology. Its purpose is to give students a solid general knowledge in the field of history of technology. The fundamental goal is to draw students' attention to the basic problem of the continuous interaction between evolution in technology, human needs and the environment.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
No specific prior knowledge is needed.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The lectures will be richly illustrated with photos (Power Point) and videos.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
30 hours, second semester (detailed schedule to be arranged)
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
Recommended or required readings
Recommended basic references:
Gille B. (dir.) (1978), Histoire des techniques. Technique et Civilisations. Technique et Sciences, coll. Encyclopédie de La Pléiade, Paris.
Jacomy Br. (1990), Une histoire des techniques, Paris.
Jacomy Br., Lette M. (2005), Des techniques et des hommes: l'histoire à la lumière du présent, Paris.
A bibliography of key references will be provided, alongside the photos and videos shown during the lessons (everything will be provided in digital format).
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.
Oral examination (random questions). June session.