Compulsory attendance
Yes.
Admission requirements
BA3 Human Osteology 1 and 2 (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.
Ects distribution
The course load will be distributed as follows:
Lectures (21 hours, 1,5 ects);
Laboratory work (10 hours, 0,5 ects);
280 pages of literature (2 ects);
Essay (1,500-1,800 words, 1 ects).
Timetable
Course schedule details can be found in the MA time schedule.
Mode of instruction
Lecture;
Open laboratory time.
Assessment method
Laboratory assignment;
PowerPoint presentation of textbook chapter;
Participation;
Research paper.
Assessment deadline
The final grade is to be determined 3 weeks after the due-date of the last assignment.
Reading list
M.A. Katzenberg & S. Saunders, Biological Anthropology of the Human Skeleton, 2nd edition. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. (2008);
Instructor and 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.