Bioarchaeology 3101-DB228A
Laboratory course will be devoted to mastering the basic skills needed in the examination of human bones from the archaeological excavations. Students will study human osteology (with introduction of international terminology) in sufficient detail to enable identification of fragmentary remains. They will also learn the basic elements of the anthropological description of the burial, including the methods of determining the age and sex.
Type of course
Mode
Requirements
Learning outcomes
Students will be familiarized with the multidisciplinary field of Bioarchaeology, its basic research methods and their cognitive abilities in the context of archaeological research. The participants will learn terminology and basic concepts relating to bioarchaeological research. Students will be familiarized with the history of bioarchaeological research, as well as the latest developments and research trends. The students will learn methods of analysis of human remains and their role in interpreting the past, with particular emphasis on the structure of prehistoric and historic societies and socio-historical phenomena. They will know proper documentation methods of the laboratory analysis of human remains. The students knows which information relating to the finds of human remains should be included in the description of the archaeological site, can explain their significance for the interpretation of the site.
Students know how to conduct a basic analysis of human remains and present the results in the form of an anthropological report. They attempt to reconstruct the past on the individual and population level based on analysis of the remains.
Students work in groups when discussing osteological issues. They are aware of ethical issues considering analysis of human remains. Students are aware that there are many interpretations of a particular problem and they can be related to cultural background of person carrying out the analysis.
Assessment criteria
Course is graded on the basis of a series of written tests. Attendance is required to obtain credit (three unexcused absences in semester are acceptable)
Bibliography
Bass W.M., Human Osteology: A Laboratory and Field Manual, Missouri 1995
Brothwell D.R., Digging up bones, New York 1982
Jaskulska E., Tablice osteologiczne. Skrypt dla studentów, Warszawa 2012
Malinowski A., Bożiłow W., Podstawy antropometrii. Metody, techniki, normy, Warszawa & Łódź 1997
Piontek J., Biologia populacji pradziejowych. Zarys metodyczny, Poznań 1999
Scheuer L ., Schaefer M., Black S., Juvenile Osteology: A Laboratory and Field Manual, Academic Press 2009
White T.D., Folkens P.A., Osteology, San Diego 2000 San Diego 2000
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: