2023-2024 / HIST0164-1

History of techniques

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

 Master in history of art and archaeology : archeometrics (120 ECTS)5 crédits 
 Master in history of art and archaeology : general (120 ECTS)5 crédits 
 Master in history of art and archaeology : musicology (120 ECTS)5 crédits 
 Master in history of art and archaeology : general (60 ECTS)5 crédits 
 Master in history of art and archaeology : musicology (60 ECTS)5 crédits 

Lecturer

Philippe Tomsin

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

Teaching will focus on the general evolution of techniques, from Antiquity to the beginning of the 20th century, mainly in the West but, more occasionally, also 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).

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).

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.