November 14, 2013 To: Course Adoption Committee

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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 582: Human Osteology. 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.

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Course objectives: (1) to familiarize and train students in the methods of modern human skeletal analysis in bioarchaeological and forensic science. The course aims to provide basic competence in: (1) introductory human skeletal and dental gross anatomy, and (2) present introductions to key analytical methods in the study of the human skeleton, including age and sex estimation, osteometry, biodistance, and paleopathology.

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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.

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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.

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Relationship to other courses in the college or university: there are no other similar or comparable courses in the college or university.

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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.

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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.

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Anticipated Rotation of this Course: once every four semesters.

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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 582

Sociology and Anthropology Email: [email protected]

Effective Term:

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 Human Osteology

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

Not Repeatable (NR) Repeatable within degree (RD) Repeatable within term (RT) X

Schedule Type Code(s): (check all that apply)

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) Introduces students to the methods of modern human skeletal analysis in bioarchaeological and forensic science. Covers introductory human skeletal and dental gross anatomy and describes analytical techniques spanning including age and sex estimation, osteometry, and paleopathology. Indicate number of contact hours: When Offered: (check all that apply)

X

Notes (List additional information for the course) - NONE -

Hours of Lecture or Seminar per week: Fall Summer Spring

3

Hours of Lab or Studio:

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

ANTH 582 Human Skeletal Analysis in Archaeological and Forensic Science Fall 2013 Lecture Meetings: Mondays and Wednesdays Robinson Hall A410 3:00-4:15 PM Lab Meeting: Time TBD, Robinson A410 Instructor: Dr. Haagen Klaus Office: Robinson Hall B Room 442B Office Hours: MW 10:15-12 PM; M 2-3 PM, or by appointment. Email: [email protected] Phone: (703) 993-6558

Required texts 1. White, TD, Black MT, Folkens, PA. (2012) Human Osteology. 3nd edition. San Diego: Academic Press. Course Description and Goals The human skeleton is a remarkable, information-dense living structure that is central to addressing scientific questions surrounding human biology, evolution, health, demography, diet, and adaptation – in the past, present, and future. This course serves as an intensive and hands-on introduction to the anthropological study of the human skeleton. Students will develop competence in fundamental analytical skill sets in human osteology including: anatomy and identification of human bones and teeth, techniques for estimating age-at-death, sex, ancestry, and pathological conditions. The background acquired in this course will be the foundation for professional development and research in a variety of disciplines such as archaeology, bioarchaeology, forensic anthropology, paleoanthropology, anatomy, and biomedicine. This is a lecture- and laboratory-oriented course that will involve learning bone and tooth morphology – as part of an integrated musculo-skeletal system. You will be learning lots of new terminology and this class has a high recall content. Thus, the goals of our class are:

1) To gain knowledge about the structure and function of bone tissue, including growth, development, and biomechanical adaptation. 2) To gain knowledge of the anatomy of the human skeleton. 3) To apply anatomical knowledge to identify unknown bones. 4) To understand the theories and methods used by skeletal biologists to reconstruct individual and population characteristics, and learn how to evaluate anthropological methods and interpretations. 5) To develop an appreciation for how skeletal analyses can contribute to a wide variety of anthropological questions (e.g., population migrations and relationships, health and disease, biocultural interactions, human variation/adaptation and medicolegal issues). 6) To expand your understanding of the discipline of anthropology, especially biological (physical) and forensic anthropology. 7) To develop your observational and analytical thinking skills. 8) To prepare you for careers or graduate work in bioanthropology, forensic anthropology, or related fields. Course Format 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 George Mason University or they are my own. I expect each student to treat these materials with respect and care. Moreover, when working with human remains, students are to render the utmost respect, ethical treatment, and dignity to the decedents. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal from the course and a failing grade. Expectations I expect you to be prepared for each class by completing assigned readings or other assigned work prior to class, and bring your textbook and other readings and guided notes. It is important for you to keep up with your readings. I also expect you to show respect for your fellow students! Turn off all cell phones. Keep irrelevant talking to a minimum, and do not put your books and notes

away until the class period is finished. I reserve the right to demand that you leave the classroom if you are disturbing other students. LAPTOP/TABLET POLICY: I maintain a “limited electronic device” policy in all my classrooms. You may use your laptop or tablet to take notes – they can be great tools to enhance your learning – but if you are found to be surfing Facebook, espn.com, or writing emails, I reserve the right to ask you to leave the class for one class period or revoke the use of electronic devices entirely. You should also have expectations of the instructor: I should always be clear and consistent. 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. Tips for Success Keeping an open mind, attending class regularly, being adequately prepared, asking questions, managing your time (that is, never leaving studying for the last minute), and actively participating are essential for succeeding in this class. You should also take advantage of my office hours when 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. If you have a conflict with my office hours, we can schedule alternative times to meet. We are a learning community, and we all learn from one another. Each of you has experiences and knowledge that will be valuable to the learning process of your fellow students. Therefore, I expect you to contribute to your own learning and the learning of others by participating in class discussions and group work. I also hope that you extend this resource by studying together, asking each other questions, and discussing the information we cover in the classroom and lab. Attendance Policy Four (4) or more unexcused absences will result in a reduction of your final grade by two points for each additional absence. Absence can be excused with official documentation (i.e., doctor’s note indicating you received medical care from an M.D., accident report, court document, etc.) immediately given to the instructor. Under such circumstances, it is still your direct responsibility to make up any work missed. GRADING Your final grade will be based on the following components: 1. Short reading quizzes every Wednesday at the beginning of class (10%)

2. Hands-on laboratory practical exams that involve both visual identification and application of your knowledge via interpretation (60%) 3. Final exam (written essay; skeletal biology and pathology) 30%) Your final grade is your responsibility. Student grades will be based upon your performance in class. There is no curve. Grading scale: A = 100-93%

A- = 92.9- 90%

B+ = 89.9-88

B = 87.9-83%

B- = 82.9-80%

C+ = 79.9-78%

C = 77.9-73%

C- = 72.9-70%

D+ = 69.9-68% D = 67.9-63%

D - = 62.9-60 % E = 59.9% and lower

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 GMU university 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 Office of Disability Services (SUB 1 Room 2500; http://ods.gmu.edu/). Accommodations are granted for anyone with a qualified documented disability.

CLASS SCHEDULE (readings follow date; Pages all refer to White et al. (2012).

WEEK 1: COURSE INTRODUCTION 26 Aug.

Course orientation

28 Aug.

Laboratory orientation (W = Ch. 1).

WEEK 2: INTRODUCTION TO SKELETAL ANATOMY AND BONE BIOLOGY 2 Sept. NO CLASS – Labor Day Holiday 4 Sept. WEEK 3:

W = Ch. 2,3 AXIAL SKELETON I: SKULL OVERVIEW

9 Sept.

Ch 4, pp. 43-75

11 Sept.

Ch 4, pp. 75-99

WEEK 4: THE HUMAN DENTITION 16 Sept.

Ch. 5, pp. 101-112

18 Sept.

Ch. 5, pp. 112-127

WEEK 5:

THE AXIAL SKELETON PART II: THORACIC CAGE

23 Sept.

Ch. 6

25 Sept.

Ch. 7

WEEK 6: EXAM: AXIAL SKELETON AND DENTITION 30 Sept.

Review

02 Oct.

Lab practical exam

WEEK 7: 07 Oct. 09 Oct.

THE APPENDICULAR SKELETON I: UPPER LIMB Ch. 8., Ch 9. Ch. 10

WEEK 8:

THE APPENDICULAR SKELETON II: LOWER LIMB

*15 Oct. (Tues) S = Ch 11, 12 16 Oct.

Ch. 13

WEEK 9: EXAM: APPENDICULAR SKELETON 21 Oct.

Review

23 Oct.

Lab practical exam

WEEK 10: AGE ESTIMATION: ADULTS AND SUBADULTS 28 Oct.

Ch. 17, pp. 379-408

30 Oct.

Reading TBD

WEEK 11: SEX ESTIMATION 04 Nov.

Ch. 17, pp. 408-418

06 Nov.

W = CH. 17, pp. 362-378

WEEK 12: SKELETAL VARIATION AND BIODISTANCE 11 Nov.

Ch. 17 pp. 418 – 426;

13 Nov.

Ch. 21

WEEK 13:

EXAM: AGE, SEX, AND OSTEOMETRY

18 Nov.

Review day

20 Nov.

Lab practical

WEEK 14: BIOLOGY OF PAST POPULATIONS: HEALTH, PALEOPATHOLOGY, TRAUMA 25 Nov.

Ch. 19 pp. 429-448

27 Nov.

NO CLASS – Thanksgiving holiday

WEEK 15: BIOLOGY OF PAST POPULATIONS: HEALTH, PALEOPATHOLOGY, TRAUMA (continued) 02 Dec.

Ch. 19 pp. 448-458

WEEK 16: BIOLOGY OF PAST POPULATIONS: HEALTH, PALEOPATHOLOGY, TRAUMA (continued) 04 Dec.

 

Ch. 23, 24, 25.

FINAL EXAM: Mon. 12/16

1:30 pm – 4:15 pm Robinson Hall A 410