Compulsory attendance
Yes.
Admission requirements
BA3 Human Osteology I and II (or an advanced undergraduate Osteology class deemed to be equivalent by the instructor).
Description
This is a graduate seminar in advanced human osteology designed to further knowledge about what human remains can tell us about the past. This class is for students who already have comprehensive training in the identification and basic analysis of human skeletal remains. It will be necessary for students who are developing research topics for their Master’s theses in osteoarchaeology, and of value to students who want to acquire the knowledge necessary to undertake doctoral research that involves human osteology.
The course emphasises how the application of scientific methods and the integration of biological and archaeological evidence to research hypotheses can aid in enhancing our reconstructions of human history. Methods covered include forensic anthropology, growth‐related studies, biomechanics, ancient DNA, dental anthropology, stable isotope and trace element analysis, and metric and non‐metric variation.
Course objectives
To develop an understanding of current methodological and theoretical topics in biological anthropology;
To increase knowledge about science-based approaches within the field of osteoarchaeology;
To practice basic human osteology identification and reporting skills;
To develop professional presentation and instruction skills;
To develop critical thinking skills.
Timetable
Course schedule details can be found in the MA time schedule.
Mode of instruction
Weekly two-hour lecture plus open laboratory time.
Assessment method
Laboratory assignment;
PowerPoint presentation of textbook chapter;
Participation;
Research Paper.
Reading list
M.A. Katzenberg & S. Saunders, Biological Anthropology of the Human Skeleton, 2nd edition. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. (2008);
Student assigned journal articles.
Registration
Register for this course via uSis.
Instructions for registration can be found in the uSis manual.
Contact information
For more information about this course, please contact mw dr A.L. Waters-Rist.