Download ASM 275: Introduction to Forensic Anthropology

ASM 275: Introduction to
Forensic Anthropology
Section 37790
TTH 10:30-11:55 am
Location: SB 185
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Lisa Marsio
Office: FOB 125
Phone: 480.425.6794
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Monday by appointment; Tuesday/Thursday 7:30 – 8:30 am;
Wednesday: 10:30 – 11:30 am; Friday by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Forensic anthropology is an applied subfield of biological anthropology that seeks to recover, identify, and
evaluate human skeletal remains within a medico-legal context. This course provides a broad overview of
forensic anthropology. Students will learn: to identify bones and teeth of the human skeleton; recovery
techniques and initial treatment of forensic material; the techniques used by forensic anthropologists to
determine such factors as age, sex, ancestry, and stature from the skeleton; how pathological and
occupational markers can help identify skeletal remains; how to estimate time since death; and how forensic
anthropologists interpret skeletal information to determine cause of death. Students will also become
familiar with the application of forensic anthropology to issues of human rights, mass fatalities, and military
identifications.
***This course will not make students competent to carry out forensic anthropological
investigations but it will engender an appreciation for the field of forensic anthropology ***
COURSE COMPETENCIES
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Define terminology related to forensic anthropology
Identify ethical issues related to forensic anthropology
Describe the connection between anthropological method and theory and interpreting forensic data
Explain the basic objectives of a forensic anthropology investigation
Identify the stages of a forensic investigation
Describe how human osteology can help identify the life history of an individual
Explain how forensic anthropology can add to our knowledge of the past
Describe how forensic knowledge can be used in special cases, such as mass disasters, historical
mysteries, etc.
9. Learn how to commit the perfect crime. HAVE FUN!
REQUIRED BOOK:
Maple, W. (1995)
Dead Men Do Tell Tales: The Strange and Fascinating Cases of a Forensic Anthropologist
(available at Amazon for under $20.00)
COURSE POLICIES
 ATTENDANCE POLICY: The best way to know what material is covered in class is to attend
class. While I will not take off points for absences, excessive absences (including coming late and
leaving early) that appear to be impacting class performance and grades will be addressed and
student may be dropped from the class. Please make every effort to be ready to pay attention when
class starts- coming in late is distracting for everyone. Should you come in late or leave during class,
please do so quietly (no slamming of doors, etc.). Please do not just disappear from the course, if
you appear on my final roster, but have not been attending, you will be given an “F.” Regardless of
your grade up to that point, not taking the last exam will result in either an “F” or a “W” for the
course. NOTE: assignments/labs completed in class cannot be made up, so an absence may
directly affect your grade. Take home assignments will be marked down 5 points for each day
late.
 THIS IS A NO B$LLSH$T ZONE – RESPECT IS KEY.
o Respect for yourself, your classmates and your instructor
 Disruptive Behavior
o “Disruptive behavior” means conduct that materially and substantially interferes with or
obstructs the teaching or learning process in the context of a classroom or educational
setting.
o Disruptive behavior includes conduct that distracts or intimidates others in a manner that
interferes with instructional activities, fails to adhere to a faculty member’s appropriate
classroom rules or instructions, or interferes with the normal operations of the college.
o Examples of disruptive behavior in the classroom include, but are not limited to:
 Making loud and distracting noises
 Monopolizing classroom discussions
 Talking when the instructor or others are speaking
 Using cell phones, pagers, iPads, or any other personal electronic device
 Inappropriate or inordinate demands for time and attention
 Exhibiting erratic, irrational behavior
 Persisting in speaking without being recognized
 Behavior that distracts the class from the subject matter or discussion
 Refusal to comply with faculty direction
 Repeatedly leaving and entering the classroom during class without authorization
 Making hostile remarks to or about other students in the class, other groups of
people or the instructor (Examples: “I hate this class.” “Shut up!”)
 Targeting individuals with disparaging comments because of their membership in a
particular group
o Class policies and possible penalties for exhibiting disruptive behavior:
 Be on time to class, do not leave during class and stay until instructor releases class.
 Don’t do any of the stuff listed above
 Don’t use your computer in class unless I give you written permission
 Don’t record lectures unless I give you written permission
 Adjustments/Penalties include, but are not limited to, the following:
 10 Point penalty for text messaging, surfing the web, etc.
 Student asked to move seat in classroom or asked to leave class
 Student loses points on assignment
 Student referred for disciplinary action
COMPUTER & AUDIO TAPING POLICY: Unless you have a documented disability or written
permission from the instructor, NO computers or audio taping are allowed in class.
REQUIREMENTS and GRADING: Each student is responsible for the material covered in lecture &
labs.
Class meetings will consist primarily of lecture. However, several classes will incorporate lab activities or
videos. In some cases, there will be video worksheets to fill out while watching the video. There are twothree reading assignments, in which students will read an article OUTSIDE of class, and then answer
questions about the article.
Grades will be assigned on the basis of three exams (each worth 115 points), 9 reading assignments/video
worksheets (each worth 10-15 points) and 4-5 labs (four are worth 40 points; one is worth 60 points). No
exams are cumulative, except concerning material that is relevant throughout the course. Exams are a
combination of multiple choice questions and short essays. Material for the exams will come from lectures,
labs and assigned reading. NOTE: a missed exam will require the student to take a cumulative exam at
the end of the semester. No make-up is allowed for the last exam.
A standard formula for determining final grades is used: A: 90-100%; B: 80-89%;C: 70-79%; D: 60-69%; F:
below 60%.
Please note: This syllabus and assignments may be modified during the course of the semester to fit the
particular circumstances of this class.
COMMUNICATION via email will take place ONLY through Canvas. Often when students email me
from private accounts, they go into junk (especially if your email is Partygrrrl18) or contain viruses. I will
not respond to emails that come from private accounts. Conversely, I will ONLY email you through
Canvas (which is your official Maricopa Gmail address). It is your responsibility to check your email on a
regular basis. Not getting my email will not be an excuse for missing an assignment, announcement, etc.
ACADEMIC CONDUCT IN COURSE: I take issues related to academic honesty very seriously. Acts of
academic dishonesty on the part of any student will result in failure of the course. Such acts are defined in
the current catalog, and include plagiarism, cheating, fabrication and falsification. Make sure you understand
and avoid these behaviors.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Please be advised that your continued enrollment and participation
in this class implies that you have read and accepted the terms and conditions of this syllabus. Also please be
advised that you are responsible for being aware of and in compliance with the college policies included in
the college catalog and the student handbook.
DISABILITIES: I will make any reasonable accommodations for limitations due to disabilities, including
learning disabilities. If you have a documented disability and require specific accommodations, you will
need to contact the Disability Resources and Services Office located in SC 125. They will provide you with
the appropriate paperwork for me. You must do this ASAP as no accommodations can be given without
(adequate) prior notice.
EXTRA CREDIT/SPECIAL PRIVILAGES/EXCEPTIONS: Any extra credit opportunities will be
offered to the class as a whole. Extra credit is designed to help boost a borderline grade; not to replace
missed assignments. Please do not ask for individual consideration. NO EXCEPTIONS TO CLASS
POLICY WILL BE GIVEN ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
Note that this schedule is TENTATIVE & may be modified to accommodate the pace of this class.
Week 1:

Lecture: Class Introduction; History of Forensic Anthropology
Week 2:
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Lecture: Human Osteology
Lab #1: Osteology (due in class 9/18)
Week 3:
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Lecture: Crime Scene Investigation: Forensic Content and Recovery Methods
Movie: “Body Detectives”
Week 4:
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Lecture: Crime Scene Investigation: Decomposition; Skeletal Analysis: Ancestry and Stature
Movie: “Music Hall Bones”
Other: Exam Review (time permitting)
Week 5:
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Exam #1: Tuesday, October 7th
Lab #2: Ancestry and Stature
Week 6:
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Lecture: Skeletal Analysis: Sex & Age
Week 7:
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Lab #3: Sex and Age
Movie: “Desert Bones”
Week 8:
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Lecture: Positive Identification
Other: Possible Guest Lecturer
Week 9:
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Lecture: Cause of Death
Other: Exam Review (time permitting)
Exam #2: Thursday, November 6th
Week 10:
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Lecture: Cause of Death (finish)
Veteran’s Day, Tuesday November 11th (No Class)
Week 11:
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Lecture: Postmortem Changes to Bone; Applied Forensic Anthropology: Military and Human Rights
Lab #4: Trauma and Taphonomy
Week 12:
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Lecture: Mass Disasters
Movie: “Written in Bone”
Thanksgiving, Thursday November 27th (No Class)
Week 13:
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Lecture: Prehistory and History
Other: Exam Review (time permitting)
Week 14:
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Lab #5: Sherlock Bones (time permitting)
Finals Week:

Exam #3: Thursday, December 16th (9:30 am)
SCC GENDERAL EDUCATION “WOVeN” STATEMENT: General Education enhances students’ abilities
to critically analyze information and ideas and effectively communicate in Written, Oral, Visual, and Numerical
form. General Education is WOVeN through the curriculum at Scottsdale Community College.