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CRF
Anthropology 179
Bioarchaeology
Submitted by Christina Torres-Rouff
[email protected]
Original Description:
ANTH 179: Bioarchaeology [4]
In-depth consideration of methods used to identify sex, age at death, stature, and ancestry from human
skeletal remains. Anthropometrics, disease, trauma, and basic demographic techniques are also
considered, preparing students for anthropological study of both individual remains and skeletal
populations. Prerequisite: ANTH 5, ANTH 178; and ANTH major/minor only or consent of instructor.
Modified Description:
ANTH 179: Bioarchaeology [4]
Study of human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts. Theoretical and thematic approaches in
contemporary research. In-depth consideration of bioarchaeological methods used to explore pathology,
occupation, geographic origins, etc. from human skeletal remains. Anthropometrics, disease, and trauma
are considered, preparing students for anthropological study of both individual remains and skeletal
populations. Prerequisite: ANTH 5; and ANTH major/minor only or consent of instructor.
Course:
This advanced laboratory course in biological anthropology presents an overview of current
theoretical and methodological issues in bioarchaeology.
Bioarchaeology is the study of human skeletal remains from archaeological settings in order to
aid in the reconstruction of our biological and cultural past. Archaeologists have only recently
begun to explore the potential of human skeletal remains for reconstruction of past lifeways.
This course focuses on this new direction in anthropology. We will take a close look at the
history, methods, theories and data in the field of bioarchaeology.
We will focus on the potential of skeletal analyses for the uncovering health and subsistence
patterns as well as biological relatedness, physical activity and the diverse reactions to stressors.
The course will emphasize the methods used by bioarchaeologists and the type of information
that can be gleaned from human skeletal remains. Students will be expected to understand the
different manifestations of these patterns on the skeleton. The course will combine lectures with
laboratory time for first hand experiences with the methodology of bioarchaeology. Emphasis
will also be placed on an understanding of the primary literature in the field through individual
presentations on relevant articles from scientific journals.
Required Texts:
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Clark Spencer Larsen, Bioarchaeology: Interpreting Behavior from the Human Skeleton
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Tim White and Pieter Folkens, The Human Bone Manual
Scholarly articles available via UCMCROPS
Assessment and Learning Outcomes:
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Participation in Class Discussions
Osteology Quiz
Lab Practicals
Differential Diagnosis of Pathology
Research Poster Presentations
By the end of the semester students shall be able to:
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Have a working knowledge of the human skeleton with an ability to identify most
skeletal elements, understand bone biology, and discuss the pathological and
developmental stresses that are reflected in the body.
Have the ability to read the scientific literature in biological anthropology, parsing out
the hypotheses being tested, understanding the methods used to do so, and be able to
discuss and critique the results from an anthropological perspective.
Identify and analyze common topics of research shared by the sub-fields of
anthropology, as well as the specific interaction between biological anthropology and
archaeology
Understand ethics and responsibility in the practice of anthropology
Possess skills to communicate anthropological knowledge effectively through writing,
oral presentation, and data presentation in various formats for diverse audiences
Course Topics:
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Overview of Bioarchaeology
Osteology Basics
Demography
Growth and Development
Teeth
Activity Patterns
Cultural Interventions
Paleopathology
Population Affinity
Chemical Analyses
Bioarchaeological Research Problems: Urbanization
Bioarchaeological Research Problems: Culture Contact, Colonization and Migration
Bioarchaeological Research Problems: War and Conflict
Bioarchaeological Problems: Studying Identity
Challenges in Bioarchaeology: The Osteological Paradox
Challenges in Bioarchaeology: Ethics and NAGPRA