The seminar is expected to last two or three years and will be based on my book Eléments de classification des sociétés, (published September 2005). The book, however, will serve only as the starting point for reflection on the evolution of societies, considerations distinct from those of classification.

The seminar assumes no special knowledge in social anthropology but it is addressed to people with some background in archaeology since evolution cannot be seriously examined apart from archaeological data (and their interpretation).

During the year 2006-2007, the seminar will be largely devoted to Palaeolithic mural art and its social implications with the following plan :

• general introduction, Palaeolithic art, art in eastern Spain, art in southern Africa (san or bushman art), Australian art ; a short review of the interpretations
• basic characteristics of Palaeolithic mural art and interpretation
• critique of the shamanistic interpretation ; the san religion
• the two kinds of religions among hunter-gatherers and their place in the Paleolithic period.

The subsequent program is expected to cover: the continuation and end of the Paleolithic period; technical and social evolution; reasons for the invention of agriculture; social diversification in the Neolithic period as seen in the American example.