November 14, 2013 To: Course Adoption Committee ...
November 14, 2013 To: Course Adoption Committee From: Haagen D. Klaus, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology This course has been reviewed and voted on by the anthropology program faculty at our regular meeting on November 13, 2013. The faculty approved its transmission to the curriculum committee at this meeting. Please find attached the New Course Approval Form for ANTH 590: Forensic Anthropology. In addition to that document are my responses to your queries: -
My unit has reviewed and voted on this course, including this memo and all associated material (syllabus, course approval form) in a regular meeting and approved its transmission to the curriculum committee.
-
Course objectives: to familiarize and train students in the methods of modern human forensic anthropology. The course aims to provide basic competence in: age and sex estimation from human remains, estimation of the postmortem interval, analysis of sharp force, blunt force, and gunshot trauma, individual identification, forensic taphonomy, and archaeological recovery of buried remains.
-
Statement of Need: with the current growth of the physical anthropology curriculum at George Mason, this class is essential for our focus on human bioarchaeology, and will provide our students with a much needed foundation on the subject for all related coursework, as well as for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who seek fieldwork or lab-based research experience.
-
Relationships to Other Courses in the Unit: this class serves as a direct complement to the other archaeology and physical anthropology classes we offer, and will form the core of a suite of bioarchaeology, human osteology, and physical anthropology classes currently under consideration. This class, compared to courses already offered, is unique and does not duplicate them in any way.
-
Relationship to other courses in the college or university: there are no other similar or comparable courses in the college or university.
-
Anticipated audience and enrollment for this course: this class will appeal to students with interests in anthropology, archaeology, forensic science, pathology, anatomy, general biology, and evolutionary biology. Enrollment for the course should be capped at 30 students. Student demand for the course is very high, as it is a foundation for all bioarchaeology and related coursework for both undergraduate and graduate students. Enrollment is also increasing and this course will be necessary to recruit and retain high quality students.
-
Faculty Able to Staff this Course: Dr. Haagen Klaus, and the new tenure-track faculty hire in bioarchaeology who will start at Mason in Fall 2014.
-
Anticipated Rotation of this Course: once every four semesters.
-
Provide Concentrations or Requirements in Your Unit that this Course will Fill: this course will serve as an elective for any anthropology BA or MA degree, but will be a required course for the students following a physical anthropology/bioarchaeology concentration within their degrees.
For approval of new courses and deletions or modifications to an existing course.
Course Approval Form
registrar.gmu.edu/facultystaff/curriculum
Action Requested:
Course Level:
X Create new course Delete existing course Modify existing course (check all that apply) Title Prereq/coreq Other:
College/School: Submitted by: Subject Code:
Credits Schedule Type
Repeat Status Restrictions
CHSS Cortney Hughes Rinker ANTH
Number:
Undergraduate X Graduate Grade Type
Department: Ext: 3-1448 590
Effective Term:
Sociology and Anthropology Email: [email protected] X
(Do not list multiple codes or numbers. Each course proposal must have a separate form.)
Title:
Fall Spring Summer
Year
2014
Current Banner (30 characters max including spaces) New Forensic Anthropology
Credits:
X
(check one)
Grade Mode:
Fixed Variable
X
(check one)
or to
X
Repeat Status: (check one)
Regular (A, B, C, etc.) Satisfactory/No Credit Special (A, B C, etc. +IP)
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 135 or the equivalent
Schedule Type Code(s): (check all that apply)
Not Repeatable (NR) Repeatable within degree (RD) Repeatable within term (RT) X
Lecture (LEC) Lab (LAB) Recitation (RCT) Internship (INT)
Corequisite(s):
Maximum credits allowed:
3
Independent Study (IND) Seminar (SEM) Studio (STU)
Instructional Mode: X 100% face-to-face Hybrid: ≤ 50% electronically delivered 100% electronically delivered
Special Instructions: (list restrictions for major, college, or degree;hard-coding; etc.) - NONE -
Are there equivalent course(s)? Yes X No If yes, please list
Catalog Copy for NEW Courses Only (Consult University Catalog for models) Description (No more than 60 words, use verb phrases and present tense) Notes (List additional information for the course) Provides an overview of contemporary forensic anthropology. Topics include: - NONE age and sex estimation from human remains, estimation of the postmortem interval, analysis of sharp force, blunt force, and gunshot trauma, individual identification, forensic taphonomy, mass disaster contexts, and the forensic archaeological recovery of buried remains. Indicate number of contact hours: Hours of Lecture or Seminar per week: 3 Hours of Lab or Studio: When Offered: (check all that apply) X Fall Summer Spring
0
Approval Signatures 11/14/13 Department Approval
Date
College/School Approval
Date
If this course includes subject matter currently dealt with by any other units, the originating department must circulate this proposal for review by those units and obtain the necessary signatures prior to submission. Failure to do so will delay action on this proposal.
Unit Name
Unit Approval Name
Unit Approver’s Signature
Date
For Graduate Courses Only Graduate Council Member
Provost Office
Graduate Council Approval Date
For Registrar Office’s Use Only: Banner_____________________________Catalog________________________________
revised 2/2/10
Anthropology 3250:
Forensic Anthropology Fall 2011 Room and Time: LA 024, Wednesday, 4:00-6:30 PM Instructor: Dr. Haagen D. Klaus Office: LA 003Q Office hours: M: 2:30-4:00; W 3:00-4:00 PM, or by appointment Phone: (801) 863-6261 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.uvu.edu/profpages/profiles/show/user_id/2522
•
Required texts Introduction to Forensic Anthropology, by Steven N. Beyers 4th edition (2010).
•
Human Osteology, 3rd edition (2011).
•
Additional readings available online at Blackboard as PDF files
REQUIRED ENROLLMENT STATUS: To take this course, you must be concurrently enrolled in ANTH 475R 004 (Call# 19392; Current Topics: Forensic Anthropology Lab) – no exceptions. Course Description Forensic anthropology is an emerging and dynamic applied field of anthropology. In this field, which studies human remains from unknown origins, uses methods of human osteology, skeletal biology, archaeology, bioarchaeology, and paleopathology and allied disciplines. Forensic anthropology principally serves medico-legal purposes in the determination of personal identity and manner/cause of death from human skeletal and dental remains. Forensic anthropologists are usually called upon when human or suspected human remains are skeletonized, too fragmentary, or too decomposed to identify or examine through normal autopsy techniques. The course will examine state-of-the art methodology, theoretical positions, and unresolved debates regarding the forensic analysis of human remains through lecture, discussion, hands-on lab exercises, and carefully chosen case studies, and review of carefully chosen case studies. We will examine topics including the forensic archaeological recovery of human remains, establishment of biological and individual profiles (including estimation of decedents’ age, sex, and antemortem life history), analyses of traumatic injuries, taphonomy, and specialized issues surrounding human rights, mass disasters, medicolegal ethics in forensic anthropology, and courtroom testimony. Course Goals • Conceptual proficiency in forensic anthropology for anthropology majors and non-majors
• • •
Basis for future professional training in biological anthropology and forensics Gain a working understanding of the role of skeletal biology in medicolegal investigation Development and strengthening of critical, synthetic, and analytical thinking skills
•
***Disclaimers*** This course will, from time to time, involve viewing extremely graphic and detailed images of traumatic injuries and human bodies in various states of decomposition This course does not teach professional proficiency in forensic methods
•
Course Requirements Lectures, readings, discussion, hands-on exercises, and a few computer simulations will be used to explore course topics. Additionally, in-class lectures and discussions will cover material not presented in the text or readings. Therefore, class attendance is very important, as is reading all assigned material. As an upper division class, it is especially important that each student participates fully in all activities.
Instruments, skeletal material, replica casts are all expensive (in some cases irreplaceable) and are the property of Utah Valley University or they are my own. I expect each student to treat these materials with utmost respect and care. Moreover, in any case of working with actual human remains, students are to render the highest respect, ethical treatment, and dignity to the decedents. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal from the course and a failing grade. Specific Requirements: 1. Response Papers Response papers are in-class oral reports on assigned readings that are accompanied by a two page written summary to be distributed to the instructor and other class members. See this course’s Assignment Guidelines (handed out separately) for further information. 2. Forensic Archaeological Recovery of a Simulated Homicide Victim: Saturday, 01 October, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. 3. In-Class Exams: We will have two scheduled exams, consisting of short answer responses where you will apply your knowledge in forensic methods and problem-solving exercises. Exams will not be cumulative. 4. Paper: 8-10-page term paper on a topic of your choosing related to a specific method (i.e., subadult age estimation; blunt force cranial trauma, DNA recovery, etc) relevant to forensic anthropology. This paper will include a critical discussion of the history and current use of this method, as well as describe its application in at least one case study. See this course’s Assignment Guidelines (handed out separately) for further information. Paper topic due: 14 September Paper draft due: 02 November (drop off at my office) Final draft due: 02 December (FRIDAY, 4PM, drop off at my office) Grade breakdown:
Attendance Response Papers Exam 1 Exam 2 Paper
20% 20% 20% 20% 20%
Expectations I expect you to be prepared for each class by completing assigned readings or other assigned work prior to class, and bring your textbooks and other readings. It is important for you to keep up
with your readings. In some cases, textbooks will include more detail than will be presented in class, but you should use the textbooks to fill gaps in your understanding of the lecture material. I also expect you to show respect for your fellow students! Turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices. Keep irrelevant talking to a minimum, and do not put your books and notes away until the class period is finished. If you must come to class late or leave early, you need a good reason – so inform me before and exit the room quietly. I reserve the right to demand that you leave the classroom if you are disturbing other students. You should also have expectations of the instructor: I am available for you to walk in and ask me any questions about the course or content. Coming to see me during my office hours when you need help will improve your understanding, and probably, your grade. I also maintain an open door policy, so if I am in, there’s a good chance we can talk outside of office hours. If you have a conflict with my office hours, we can schedule alternative times to meet. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY In an academic community such as ours, the most valuable things we have are our thoughts and ideas. Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest and bears severe consequences. Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated and will be dealt with under the most severe penalties allowed under university guidelines. Ignorance of the rules governing academic misconduct or ignorance of what constitutes academic misconduct is not an acceptable defense. Familiarize yourself with the section “Student Rights and Responsibilities” in the current UVU catalog or consult the instructor.
CLASS NEWS & CANCELLATION NOTICES In case of unexpected instructor absences the information will be posted on our Blackboard site. This site should be consulted in the event of inclement weather to check for possible class cancellations or delays. Do not call the Department, check the website. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES If you have any disability that may impair your ability to successfully complete the course, please contact the Accessibility Services Department (BU-145), Accommodations are granted for anyone with a qualified documented disability. ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance is necessary to succeed in this class. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from your fellow classmates. Missing class without a valid doctor’s notes or other official documentation (e.g. accident report) explaining your absence will negatively affect your grade. You should not schedule advisor’s or doctor’s appointments during class time (absences should be for emergencies only). After four (4) unexcused absences, 2 points will be deducted from your final grade for each additional absence. Late assignments: If you miss an assignment, you must e-mail me within 24 hours of the scheduled event. Regarding exams, a make-up must be taken within one week of the originally scheduled exam, and this can only be done if accompanied by documentation. Miscellaneous information: To protect your confidentiality and to be in compliance with both Federal Law and UVU policy, I cannot discuss anything about grades over the phone or through e-mail. You must see the instructor in person to discuss your grade.
Readings: Your readings have been carefully chosen to complement the lectures, drive the logical and sequential progression of the class. What you learn in the readings are rather critical for you to understand and enjoy hands-on exercises. Read the assignments before class. CLASS SCHEDULE 31 Aug. Course Introduction • Course overview • Purpose and scope of forensic anthropology What is Forensic Anthropology? • History of forensic anthropology • Human variation and life history • Law enforcement-anthropologist collaboration • Why an anthropologist instead of a pathologist? READINGS:
Beyers Ch. 1 Komar and Buikstra (PDF) Ch. 1
7 Sept. Overview of Human Osteology and Odontology • Basic anatomy of bones and teeth • Skeletal biology from the osteon to the functional skeletal system • Teeth • Human vs. nonhuman remains READINGS:
Beyers Ch. 2, 3 Review White, Chapters 2-14
14 Sept. Death and the Medicolegal Framework • • • •
Circumstances of unattended or suspicious death Cause vs. manner of death Medical Examiner and Coroner systems Handling of evidence and legal ramifications of the chain of custody
READINGS:
Komar and Buikstra (PDF) Ch. 2, 3 (W) Melby & Jimenez “Chain of Custody from the Field to the Courtroom” * Term Paper topic due*
21 Sept. The Archaeology of a Crime Scene: Recovery of Human Remains
• • •
Location of human remains, clandestine graves, and origins of forensic cases Site mapping Grave excavation
READINGS:
Beyers Ch. 4, pp. 75-102 Dupras et al., Ch. 2, 3, 6,7
28 Sept. No Wednesday CLASS or Thursday LAB Meeting; Class meets on Saturday, 01 October.
5 Oct. Estimation of Time Elapsed Since Death •
• • •
Overview of Decomposition Environmental and climatological determinants Animal Scavenging Forensic entomology
READINGS:
Beyers, Ch 5. Sedzik “Postmortem Decomposition and Decay” Love and Marks, “Taphonomy and Time: Estimating the Postmortem Haskell et al. “On the Body: Insects’ Life Stage Presence, Their Postmortem Artifacts”
12 Oct. Biological Profile: Estimation of Sex and Age-at-Death • • • • • •
Metric and anthroposcopic methods of sexing os coxae, skull, long bones Sexing subadults: problems and prospects Strengths and unresolved problems in sex estimations Skeletal/dental growth and maturity states among fetuses, infants, and juveniles Age-related degenerative skeletal features among adults Strengths and unresolved problems in age estimations
READINGS:
Beyers, Ch. 9 White, 379-419
19 Oct. EXAM 1 (one hour) Cause and Manner of Death I: Traumatic Injury – Projectile and Blunt Force Trauma • • • •
Physics and physiology of bone fracture mechanics & fracture repair Accidental vs. interpersonal fractures Ballistics and identification and analysis of gunshot wounds Identification and analysis of blunt force wounds
READINGS:
Beyers CH. 12 & 13 Kimmerle and Barybar “Gunfire Injuries” and Waters “Firearms Basics” White Ch. 24 Forensic Case Study: Child Abuse, the Skeletal Perspective”
26 Oct. Cause and Manner of Death II: Sharp Force Trauma, Mutilation, Dismemberment, and Strangulation Punctures, incisions, clefts, and hacking trauma Tool mark analysis Strangulation, hanging, autodecapitation
• • •
READINGS:
Beyers, Ch. 14; Ch. 16 pp 325-333 Kimmerle and Barybar “Sharp Force Trauma” Reichs “Postmortem Dismemberment: Recovery, Analysis, and Interpretation” Ubelaker “Hyoid Fracture and Strangulation”
02 Nov – CLASS CANCELLED: 4th Bi-annual Meeting of the Paleopathology Association in South America, Lima, Peru J * Term paper draft due, my office, by 4 PM* 09 Nov. Individual Profile I: Estimation of Ancestry and Stature • • • •
Anthroposcopic features of the cranial skeleton Anatomical stature vs. recorded stature Indices, discriminant functions, and FORDISC Problems in ancestry estimation: biological anthropology of clinal variation, population affinity, and “race”
READINGS:
Beyers Ch. 7, 10 Ubelaker et al. “Multidisciplinary Approach to Human Identification in Homicide Investigation: a Case Study from New York”
16 Nov. Individual Profile II: Antemortem Records • • • • •
Skeletal markers of antemortem health; medical records, family histories, and pre- and postmortem radiographs Mortuary, personal, and medical artifacts in personal identification Forensic odontology Problems associated with facial reconstructive techniques Molecular genetic identifications and DNA analysis
READINGS:
Beyers Ch. 15, 17 Burns “The Herring Case – An Outlier” (Burns) Steadman and Konigsberg “Multiple Points of Similarity” Melton “Mitochondrial DNA: Solving the Mystery of Anna Anderson”
23 Nov. NO CLASS – THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
30 Nov. Establishing Postmortem History: Forensic Taphonomy •
Carnivore/scavenger damage; psuedopathology
• • • • •
Weathering and exposure Scattering, water transport Burned bodies and cremation -- can a body really be destroyed by fire? Submerged persons and postmortem aquatic alterations Mortuary and other ritual uses of human skeletal material
READINGS:
Komar and Buikstra Ch 7. Steadman “The Pawn Shop Mummified Head: Discriminating among Forensic, Historic, and Ancient Context” Holland et al. “Fire Modification of Bone” White “A Disappearance in Cleveland” Sorg et al. “Forensic Taphonomy in Marine Contexts”
5 Dec. Expert Witness and Courtroom Testimony • • READINGS:
The legal process and the responsibilities of the forensic anthropologist Witness testimony and cross-examination
Henneberg “The Expert Witness and the Court of Law” Ranson “Legal Aspects of Identification” Kennedy “Trials in Court: The Forensic Anthropologist Takes the
FINAL EXAM: TIME AND DATE TBA
Stand”
My unit has reviewed and voted on this course, including this memo and all associated material (syllabus, course approval form) in a regular meeting and approved its transmission to the curriculum committee.
-
Course objectives: to familiarize and train students in the methods of modern human forensic anthropology. The course aims to provide basic competence in: age and sex estimation from human remains, estimation of the postmortem interval, analysis of sharp force, blunt force, and gunshot trauma, individual identification, forensic taphonomy, and archaeological recovery of buried remains.
-
Statement of Need: with the current growth of the physical anthropology curriculum at George Mason, this class is essential for our focus on human bioarchaeology, and will provide our students with a much needed foundation on the subject for all related coursework, as well as for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who seek fieldwork or lab-based research experience.
-
Relationships to Other Courses in the Unit: this class serves as a direct complement to the other archaeology and physical anthropology classes we offer, and will form the core of a suite of bioarchaeology, human osteology, and physical anthropology classes currently under consideration. This class, compared to courses already offered, is unique and does not duplicate them in any way.
-
Relationship to other courses in the college or university: there are no other similar or comparable courses in the college or university.
-
Anticipated audience and enrollment for this course: this class will appeal to students with interests in anthropology, archaeology, forensic science, pathology, anatomy, general biology, and evolutionary biology. Enrollment for the course should be capped at 30 students. Student demand for the course is very high, as it is a foundation for all bioarchaeology and related coursework for both undergraduate and graduate students. Enrollment is also increasing and this course will be necessary to recruit and retain high quality students.
-
Faculty Able to Staff this Course: Dr. Haagen Klaus, and the new tenure-track faculty hire in bioarchaeology who will start at Mason in Fall 2014.
-
Anticipated Rotation of this Course: once every four semesters.
-
Provide Concentrations or Requirements in Your Unit that this Course will Fill: this course will serve as an elective for any anthropology BA or MA degree, but will be a required course for the students following a physical anthropology/bioarchaeology concentration within their degrees.
For approval of new courses and deletions or modifications to an existing course.
Course Approval Form
registrar.gmu.edu/facultystaff/curriculum
Action Requested:
Course Level:
X Create new course Delete existing course Modify existing course (check all that apply) Title Prereq/coreq Other:
College/School: Submitted by: Subject Code:
Credits Schedule Type
Repeat Status Restrictions
CHSS Cortney Hughes Rinker ANTH
Number:
Undergraduate X Graduate Grade Type
Department: Ext: 3-1448 590
Effective Term:
Sociology and Anthropology Email: [email protected] X
(Do not list multiple codes or numbers. Each course proposal must have a separate form.)
Title:
Fall Spring Summer
Year
2014
Current Banner (30 characters max including spaces) New Forensic Anthropology
Credits:
X
(check one)
Grade Mode:
Fixed Variable
X
(check one)
or to
X
Repeat Status: (check one)
Regular (A, B, C, etc.) Satisfactory/No Credit Special (A, B C, etc. +IP)
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 135 or the equivalent
Schedule Type Code(s): (check all that apply)
Not Repeatable (NR) Repeatable within degree (RD) Repeatable within term (RT) X
Lecture (LEC) Lab (LAB) Recitation (RCT) Internship (INT)
Corequisite(s):
Maximum credits allowed:
3
Independent Study (IND) Seminar (SEM) Studio (STU)
Instructional Mode: X 100% face-to-face Hybrid: ≤ 50% electronically delivered 100% electronically delivered
Special Instructions: (list restrictions for major, college, or degree;hard-coding; etc.) - NONE -
Are there equivalent course(s)? Yes X No If yes, please list
Catalog Copy for NEW Courses Only (Consult University Catalog for models) Description (No more than 60 words, use verb phrases and present tense) Notes (List additional information for the course) Provides an overview of contemporary forensic anthropology. Topics include: - NONE age and sex estimation from human remains, estimation of the postmortem interval, analysis of sharp force, blunt force, and gunshot trauma, individual identification, forensic taphonomy, mass disaster contexts, and the forensic archaeological recovery of buried remains. Indicate number of contact hours: Hours of Lecture or Seminar per week: 3 Hours of Lab or Studio: When Offered: (check all that apply) X Fall Summer Spring
0
Approval Signatures 11/14/13 Department Approval
Date
College/School Approval
Date
If this course includes subject matter currently dealt with by any other units, the originating department must circulate this proposal for review by those units and obtain the necessary signatures prior to submission. Failure to do so will delay action on this proposal.
Unit Name
Unit Approval Name
Unit Approver’s Signature
Date
For Graduate Courses Only Graduate Council Member
Provost Office
Graduate Council Approval Date
For Registrar Office’s Use Only: Banner_____________________________Catalog________________________________
revised 2/2/10
Anthropology 3250:
Forensic Anthropology Fall 2011 Room and Time: LA 024, Wednesday, 4:00-6:30 PM Instructor: Dr. Haagen D. Klaus Office: LA 003Q Office hours: M: 2:30-4:00; W 3:00-4:00 PM, or by appointment Phone: (801) 863-6261 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.uvu.edu/profpages/profiles/show/user_id/2522
•
Required texts Introduction to Forensic Anthropology, by Steven N. Beyers 4th edition (2010).
•
Human Osteology, 3rd edition (2011).
•
Additional readings available online at Blackboard as PDF files
REQUIRED ENROLLMENT STATUS: To take this course, you must be concurrently enrolled in ANTH 475R 004 (Call# 19392; Current Topics: Forensic Anthropology Lab) – no exceptions. Course Description Forensic anthropology is an emerging and dynamic applied field of anthropology. In this field, which studies human remains from unknown origins, uses methods of human osteology, skeletal biology, archaeology, bioarchaeology, and paleopathology and allied disciplines. Forensic anthropology principally serves medico-legal purposes in the determination of personal identity and manner/cause of death from human skeletal and dental remains. Forensic anthropologists are usually called upon when human or suspected human remains are skeletonized, too fragmentary, or too decomposed to identify or examine through normal autopsy techniques. The course will examine state-of-the art methodology, theoretical positions, and unresolved debates regarding the forensic analysis of human remains through lecture, discussion, hands-on lab exercises, and carefully chosen case studies, and review of carefully chosen case studies. We will examine topics including the forensic archaeological recovery of human remains, establishment of biological and individual profiles (including estimation of decedents’ age, sex, and antemortem life history), analyses of traumatic injuries, taphonomy, and specialized issues surrounding human rights, mass disasters, medicolegal ethics in forensic anthropology, and courtroom testimony. Course Goals • Conceptual proficiency in forensic anthropology for anthropology majors and non-majors
• • •
Basis for future professional training in biological anthropology and forensics Gain a working understanding of the role of skeletal biology in medicolegal investigation Development and strengthening of critical, synthetic, and analytical thinking skills
•
***Disclaimers*** This course will, from time to time, involve viewing extremely graphic and detailed images of traumatic injuries and human bodies in various states of decomposition This course does not teach professional proficiency in forensic methods
•
Course Requirements Lectures, readings, discussion, hands-on exercises, and a few computer simulations will be used to explore course topics. Additionally, in-class lectures and discussions will cover material not presented in the text or readings. Therefore, class attendance is very important, as is reading all assigned material. As an upper division class, it is especially important that each student participates fully in all activities.
Instruments, skeletal material, replica casts are all expensive (in some cases irreplaceable) and are the property of Utah Valley University or they are my own. I expect each student to treat these materials with utmost respect and care. Moreover, in any case of working with actual human remains, students are to render the highest respect, ethical treatment, and dignity to the decedents. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal from the course and a failing grade. Specific Requirements: 1. Response Papers Response papers are in-class oral reports on assigned readings that are accompanied by a two page written summary to be distributed to the instructor and other class members. See this course’s Assignment Guidelines (handed out separately) for further information. 2. Forensic Archaeological Recovery of a Simulated Homicide Victim: Saturday, 01 October, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. 3. In-Class Exams: We will have two scheduled exams, consisting of short answer responses where you will apply your knowledge in forensic methods and problem-solving exercises. Exams will not be cumulative. 4. Paper: 8-10-page term paper on a topic of your choosing related to a specific method (i.e., subadult age estimation; blunt force cranial trauma, DNA recovery, etc) relevant to forensic anthropology. This paper will include a critical discussion of the history and current use of this method, as well as describe its application in at least one case study. See this course’s Assignment Guidelines (handed out separately) for further information. Paper topic due: 14 September Paper draft due: 02 November (drop off at my office) Final draft due: 02 December (FRIDAY, 4PM, drop off at my office) Grade breakdown:
Attendance Response Papers Exam 1 Exam 2 Paper
20% 20% 20% 20% 20%
Expectations I expect you to be prepared for each class by completing assigned readings or other assigned work prior to class, and bring your textbooks and other readings. It is important for you to keep up
with your readings. In some cases, textbooks will include more detail than will be presented in class, but you should use the textbooks to fill gaps in your understanding of the lecture material. I also expect you to show respect for your fellow students! Turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices. Keep irrelevant talking to a minimum, and do not put your books and notes away until the class period is finished. If you must come to class late or leave early, you need a good reason – so inform me before and exit the room quietly. I reserve the right to demand that you leave the classroom if you are disturbing other students. You should also have expectations of the instructor: I am available for you to walk in and ask me any questions about the course or content. Coming to see me during my office hours when you need help will improve your understanding, and probably, your grade. I also maintain an open door policy, so if I am in, there’s a good chance we can talk outside of office hours. If you have a conflict with my office hours, we can schedule alternative times to meet. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY In an academic community such as ours, the most valuable things we have are our thoughts and ideas. Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest and bears severe consequences. Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated and will be dealt with under the most severe penalties allowed under university guidelines. Ignorance of the rules governing academic misconduct or ignorance of what constitutes academic misconduct is not an acceptable defense. Familiarize yourself with the section “Student Rights and Responsibilities” in the current UVU catalog or consult the instructor.
CLASS NEWS & CANCELLATION NOTICES In case of unexpected instructor absences the information will be posted on our Blackboard site. This site should be consulted in the event of inclement weather to check for possible class cancellations or delays. Do not call the Department, check the website. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES If you have any disability that may impair your ability to successfully complete the course, please contact the Accessibility Services Department (BU-145), Accommodations are granted for anyone with a qualified documented disability. ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance is necessary to succeed in this class. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from your fellow classmates. Missing class without a valid doctor’s notes or other official documentation (e.g. accident report) explaining your absence will negatively affect your grade. You should not schedule advisor’s or doctor’s appointments during class time (absences should be for emergencies only). After four (4) unexcused absences, 2 points will be deducted from your final grade for each additional absence. Late assignments: If you miss an assignment, you must e-mail me within 24 hours of the scheduled event. Regarding exams, a make-up must be taken within one week of the originally scheduled exam, and this can only be done if accompanied by documentation. Miscellaneous information: To protect your confidentiality and to be in compliance with both Federal Law and UVU policy, I cannot discuss anything about grades over the phone or through e-mail. You must see the instructor in person to discuss your grade.
Readings: Your readings have been carefully chosen to complement the lectures, drive the logical and sequential progression of the class. What you learn in the readings are rather critical for you to understand and enjoy hands-on exercises. Read the assignments before class. CLASS SCHEDULE 31 Aug. Course Introduction • Course overview • Purpose and scope of forensic anthropology What is Forensic Anthropology? • History of forensic anthropology • Human variation and life history • Law enforcement-anthropologist collaboration • Why an anthropologist instead of a pathologist? READINGS:
Beyers Ch. 1 Komar and Buikstra (PDF) Ch. 1
7 Sept. Overview of Human Osteology and Odontology • Basic anatomy of bones and teeth • Skeletal biology from the osteon to the functional skeletal system • Teeth • Human vs. nonhuman remains READINGS:
Beyers Ch. 2, 3 Review White, Chapters 2-14
14 Sept. Death and the Medicolegal Framework • • • •
Circumstances of unattended or suspicious death Cause vs. manner of death Medical Examiner and Coroner systems Handling of evidence and legal ramifications of the chain of custody
READINGS:
Komar and Buikstra (PDF) Ch. 2, 3 (W) Melby & Jimenez “Chain of Custody from the Field to the Courtroom” * Term Paper topic due*
21 Sept. The Archaeology of a Crime Scene: Recovery of Human Remains
• • •
Location of human remains, clandestine graves, and origins of forensic cases Site mapping Grave excavation
READINGS:
Beyers Ch. 4, pp. 75-102 Dupras et al., Ch. 2, 3, 6,7
28 Sept. No Wednesday CLASS or Thursday LAB Meeting; Class meets on Saturday, 01 October.
5 Oct. Estimation of Time Elapsed Since Death •
• • •
Overview of Decomposition Environmental and climatological determinants Animal Scavenging Forensic entomology
READINGS:
Beyers, Ch 5. Sedzik “Postmortem Decomposition and Decay” Love and Marks, “Taphonomy and Time: Estimating the Postmortem Haskell et al. “On the Body: Insects’ Life Stage Presence, Their Postmortem Artifacts”
12 Oct. Biological Profile: Estimation of Sex and Age-at-Death • • • • • •
Metric and anthroposcopic methods of sexing os coxae, skull, long bones Sexing subadults: problems and prospects Strengths and unresolved problems in sex estimations Skeletal/dental growth and maturity states among fetuses, infants, and juveniles Age-related degenerative skeletal features among adults Strengths and unresolved problems in age estimations
READINGS:
Beyers, Ch. 9 White, 379-419
19 Oct. EXAM 1 (one hour) Cause and Manner of Death I: Traumatic Injury – Projectile and Blunt Force Trauma • • • •
Physics and physiology of bone fracture mechanics & fracture repair Accidental vs. interpersonal fractures Ballistics and identification and analysis of gunshot wounds Identification and analysis of blunt force wounds
READINGS:
Beyers CH. 12 & 13 Kimmerle and Barybar “Gunfire Injuries” and Waters “Firearms Basics” White Ch. 24 Forensic Case Study: Child Abuse, the Skeletal Perspective”
26 Oct. Cause and Manner of Death II: Sharp Force Trauma, Mutilation, Dismemberment, and Strangulation Punctures, incisions, clefts, and hacking trauma Tool mark analysis Strangulation, hanging, autodecapitation
• • •
READINGS:
Beyers, Ch. 14; Ch. 16 pp 325-333 Kimmerle and Barybar “Sharp Force Trauma” Reichs “Postmortem Dismemberment: Recovery, Analysis, and Interpretation” Ubelaker “Hyoid Fracture and Strangulation”
02 Nov – CLASS CANCELLED: 4th Bi-annual Meeting of the Paleopathology Association in South America, Lima, Peru J * Term paper draft due, my office, by 4 PM* 09 Nov. Individual Profile I: Estimation of Ancestry and Stature • • • •
Anthroposcopic features of the cranial skeleton Anatomical stature vs. recorded stature Indices, discriminant functions, and FORDISC Problems in ancestry estimation: biological anthropology of clinal variation, population affinity, and “race”
READINGS:
Beyers Ch. 7, 10 Ubelaker et al. “Multidisciplinary Approach to Human Identification in Homicide Investigation: a Case Study from New York”
16 Nov. Individual Profile II: Antemortem Records • • • • •
Skeletal markers of antemortem health; medical records, family histories, and pre- and postmortem radiographs Mortuary, personal, and medical artifacts in personal identification Forensic odontology Problems associated with facial reconstructive techniques Molecular genetic identifications and DNA analysis
READINGS:
Beyers Ch. 15, 17 Burns “The Herring Case – An Outlier” (Burns) Steadman and Konigsberg “Multiple Points of Similarity” Melton “Mitochondrial DNA: Solving the Mystery of Anna Anderson”
23 Nov. NO CLASS – THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
30 Nov. Establishing Postmortem History: Forensic Taphonomy •
Carnivore/scavenger damage; psuedopathology
• • • • •
Weathering and exposure Scattering, water transport Burned bodies and cremation -- can a body really be destroyed by fire? Submerged persons and postmortem aquatic alterations Mortuary and other ritual uses of human skeletal material
READINGS:
Komar and Buikstra Ch 7. Steadman “The Pawn Shop Mummified Head: Discriminating among Forensic, Historic, and Ancient Context” Holland et al. “Fire Modification of Bone” White “A Disappearance in Cleveland” Sorg et al. “Forensic Taphonomy in Marine Contexts”
5 Dec. Expert Witness and Courtroom Testimony • • READINGS:
The legal process and the responsibilities of the forensic anthropologist Witness testimony and cross-examination
Henneberg “The Expert Witness and the Court of Law” Ranson “Legal Aspects of Identification” Kennedy “Trials in Court: The Forensic Anthropologist Takes the
FINAL EXAM: TIME AND DATE TBA
Stand”
