Compulsory attendance
Yes.
Admission requirements
Advanced human osteology obtained.
Description
The focus of this course is threefold. Firstly, the course emphasises the importance of understanding the suite of taphonomic processes that have an impact on the structure of a grave from the moment of deposition until the time of excavation.
Secondly, the effect of preservation on the recovery and analysis of human remains are covered. Lastly, the importance of cultural understandings of funerary practices needed to situate osteological data within a broader archaeological and historical context is explored.
Course objectives
Understanding of general taphonomic processes within the context of a grave;
Understanding of preservation factors affecting human tissues;
Ability to apply these principles to case studies from recent excavations;
Understanding of how to reconstruct burial practices;
Knowledge of the possibilities and limitations of the interpretation of mortuary practices of past societies.
Ects distribution
The course load will be distributed as follows:
7×2 hours of lecture (1 ects);
10 hours of laboratory work (0,5 ects);
10 hours of museum excursions (0,5 ects);
210 pages of literature (1,5 ects);
Written assignments, 3,000 words (1,5 ects).
Timetable
Course schedule details can be found in the MA time schedule.
Mode of instruction
Lecture;
Laboratory exercises;
Museum visits.
Assessment method
Laboratory assignments;
Participation;
Research proposal.
Assessment deadline
All assessment deadlines (exams, retakes, paper deadlines etc.) can be found in the examination schedule.
Reading list
H. Duday & M. Guillon, “Understanding the Circumstances of Decomposition when the Body is Skeletonized” (2006) in: Forensic Anthropology and Medicine: Complementary Sciences from the Recovery to the Cause of Death, A. Schmitt, E. Cunha & J. Pinheiro (eds). Totowa, NJ: Humana Press;
M.L. Goff, Early Post-Mortem Changes and Stages of Decomposition in Exposed Cadavers (2009). Exp Appl Acarol 49:21-36;
J. Pinheiro, “Decay Process of a Cadaver” (2006) in: Forensic Anthropology and Medicine: Complementary Sciences from the Recovery to the Cause of Death, A. Schmitt, E. Cunha & J. Pinheiro (eds). Totowa, NJ: Humana Press;
Articles and chapters posted on Blackboard by the instructor.
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 dr. M.L.P. Hoogland.