6 ECTS credits
153 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4016912FNW for working 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 "typically human" behaviour. For archaic hominids, we investigate the extent to which their behaviour differs from that of other primates. For Homo sapiens, we try to understand how truly modern human behaviour came about. While we certainly look at the economic and social context and organisation of these prehistoric groups, the focus is primarily on the spiritual and ritual aspects of human life.
We consider examples such as the emergence of body decoration, obvious 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 has 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, 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 a few 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. This will take a full lesson, in which you can of course use all educational resources available (blackboard, overhead, data projector) to illustrate your discourse. These illustrations will also be made available to the other students as much as possible (CANVAS can also be used for this). The aim is always to achieve a synthesis with the general theme of this course.
The student is able to situate and indicate the origin of culture.
The student can critically examine claims about human behaviour in prehistoric times.
The student can assess and use the contribution of various disciplines.
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:
Of course the performance delivered, both in the presentation of the individual subject and in the discussions held 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)