6 ECTS credits
153 h study time
Offer 2 with catalog number 4016913FNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
The central research question in this study unit is how archaeological and iconographic sources can be used for research into the beginning of cultural and artistic human behaviour. For archaic hominids, we investigate the extent to which their cultural behaviour differs from that of other primates. For more recent hominins (neanderthaler, denisova, sapiens,...) we try to understand how artistic human behaviour came about. We also examine how a developing cultural and artistic environment has in turn influenced hominization.
While we certainly look at the economic and social context and organisation of these prehistoric groups, the focus is primarily on the cultural and artistic aspects of human life.
We consider examples such as the emergence of body decoration, ritual behaviour, and especially the emergence of the earliest art. In this course, we aim to critically evaluate and compare the different interpretative paradigms. We also critically examine the potential contribution/inspiration from other disciplines relating to this subject. We also critically reflect on the potential contribution/inspiration of other disciplines about this subject. After all, various research results and insights have been put forward about the genesis and development of cultural behaviour in domains such as ethology, socio-biology, primatology, anthropology, neurology, cognitive archaeology, cultural theory, aesthetics, evolutionary psychology , semiotics, pedagogy, etc.
Topics that may be addressed include: development of material culture, technology, complex social behaviour, empathy, self-awareness, aesthetics, expressive ability, abstractive ability, symbolism, ritual behaviour, creativity, innovation, religion, art and science, as expressions of these in early humans and prehistoric societies.
After seven introductory lectures that outline the framework, the problems, the methods and objectives of this course, you will be expected to handle a component within this issue and put this forward. To do this, we will work together to search for suitable basic literature and interesting problems to be handles for the specific topic. After that, you can still contact the lecturer at any time either by email (mdebie@vub.ac.be) or by appointment.
You will have a few weeks to get to grips with the chosen topic and to prepare a presentation. You will produce a summary of the topic in a short five-page paper, which you make available to the other students. The presentation is conceived as an active debate that we organize thematically and where everyone should be present. Students give each other faadback on this. During a concluding peripatetic walk, we reflect in dialogue on the etiology of cultural and artistic behaviour and what this may mean for future human developments.
The student is able to situate and explain the origin of culture and art.
The student can critically examine claims about 'typically' human behaviour in prehistoric times.
The student can assess and use the contribution of various disciplines.
The student can clearly formulate insights, transfer them didactically, and critically debate them.
The student can formulate and deal with feedback.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Your active participation, the performance delivered, both in the presentation of the individual subject, in the discussions and during the peripatetic walk will have a major impact on the final mark during the exam. During this interview, you will be required to demonstrate that you have acquired the skills to handle the issues discussed in this course at an academic level
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Adult Education: Profile Cultural Studies (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Art Studies and Archaeology: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Arts and Humanities: History (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Arts and Humanities: Art History and Heritage Studies (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Arts and Humanities: Philosophy (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Arts and Humanities: Ethics and Humanism (only offered in Dutch)