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 Antiquity to the beginning of the 20th century, mainly in the West but also, more occasionally, in extra-European cultures (Eastern in particular).
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 will be discussed, the general evolution of technology will be examine in chronological terms. The major steps in this development are Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, the High Middle Ages (in Western Europe and the Middle East), the High Middle Ages "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; subject to sufficient time).
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)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
The lectures (30 hours during the second term) are given Saturdays, as six hours blocks (three before noon and three after).
Course materials and 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).
Oral examination (random questions). June session.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
Association of one or more MOOCs
There is no MOOC associated with this course.