Taphonomy of Human Remains 2800-PL-MD2-TRAN-TAP

Taphonomy, from the bioarchaeological point of view, focuses on the processes that happen to the body between the death and the recovery of what remained of it. The course will introduce not only a theoretical and methodological approach to taphonomy, but also examine post-depositional processes that may influence the state of preservation of archaeological human remains.
The general outline of the topics:
- definitions and understandings of taphonomy
- biostratinomy and diagenesis
- what happens to the body after death (from the decomposition to fossilization)
- how the environment influences post-depositional processes (bone weathering, insect, animal, and plant induced alterations, etc.)
- humans (and archaeologists) as taphonomic agents
- identification and interpretation of taphonomic changes to the skeletal remains.
Whenever possible the lecture-style class and discussion will be supplemented with hands-on experience and actual excavation-derived osteological material analysis.

At the beginning of the course, right after the introductory class meeting students will have to propose (or choose) the subject for their oral presentation. Each student is required to prepare 10-15 minutes presentation with the visual aids, present it in front of the class, and engage the fellow-students in discussion. The presentations are scheduled for the last couple of meetings, by the end of the semester.