ANTHÂ 0010. Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Overview of forensic anthropology, an applied field of physical anthropology. Emphasis on current techniques used in the analysis of human skeletal remains, medico-legal procedures, and the role of the anthropologist in the investigative process. Examines the basics of bone biology, methods of skeletal analysis, and recognition of bone trauma and pathological processes. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0010 - Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/anth-0010/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 lecture Description: Overview of forensic anthropology, an applied field of physical anthropology. Emphasis on current techniques used in the analysis of human skeletal remains, medico-legal procedures, and the role of the anthropologist in the investigative process. Examines the basics of bone biology, methods of skeletal analysis, and recognition of bone trauma and pathological processes. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Compare and contrast cultural, archaeology, linguistic and biological anthropology. Describe the scientific method and theories used by anthropologists within a forensic context. Articulate the legal and ethical responsibilities involved with working with human remains in various forensic contexts. Explain in detail variation in human skeletal remains over time due to various biological and behavioral influences. Evaluate large-scale applications of forensic anthropology. Course Content Outline I. Introduction to forensic anthropology: historical background, forensics and medico-legal community, data gathering and analysis methods. II. Human osteology and odontology: human skeleton review, anatomy of bone, bone growth, and human dentition. III. Establishing time since death, postmortem and taphonomic changes to human remains: decomposition, animal scavenging, fire damage, weather and water damage, and burial damage. IV. Estimation of sex: adult sexing using the skull, pelvis and other post crania for sexing. V. Estimation of age at death: sub-adult and adult aging using the skull, dentition, pelvis and other post cranial elements for aging. VI. Estimation of ancestry: cranial and post cranial anthroposcopic trait analysis and osteometric methods. VII. Estimation of stature: osteometric methods. VIII. Death, trauma, and the skeleton: cause and manner of death, types of trauma, and timing of trauma. IX. Trauma effects on bone: characteristics of wound types caused by sharp force, blunt force, and ballistic trauma, how bone responds to trauma. X. Initial treatment and examination of remains: typical forensic lab procedures, preparation of remains, reconstitution, sorting, and reassembly of remains, and remains inventory. XI. Identification techniques: DNA, radiography, photography, forensic odontology, facial reproduction, photographic superimposition and identification of unique biological features. XII. Recovery scene methods: location of remains, mapping gravesite and remains, grave excavation procedures, crime scene techniques, and mass disasters. XIII. Medico-legal responsibilities: ethical concerns, testimony in court, steps in final report, rights of the body, departmental cooperation, and human rights investigations. Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Assess the history, methods and approaches of forensic anthropology and explain the role of the anthropologist in a criminal or crime scene investigation. 2. Analyze the legal and ethical issues of working with human remains. 3. Discriminate between human and nonhuman remains and contemporary and non-contemporary burial situations. 4. Identify postmortem and taphonomic changes to human remains. 5. Apply anthroposcopic and osteometric techniques for determining sex, age, ancestry, stature, and handedness from human skeletal remains. 6. Interpret trauma and pathological processes in human skeletal remains. 7. Apply techniques for establishing positive identification using human skeletal remains. 8. Describe field techniques to locate human remains and conduct a forensic excavation. 9. Evaluate large-scale applications of forensic anthropology to disasters, human rights and POW/MIA recovery. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Projects Reports Reading Assignments 1. Read "An Incidental Finding" from the Case Studies textbook and be prepared to discuss why the author uses the phrase "above all do no harm" in reference to the recovery of the child's skeletal remains. 2. Read and review Dawnie Wolf Steadman's "The Marty Miller Case" and be prepared to discuss the methods used in determining his cause of death and personal identification. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Explain techniques to determine the age, sex, ancestry, individual features, and ante, peri and postmortem trauma on a set of human remains. 2. Strategize and create a plan for conducting fieldwork in areas of mass disasters. Use specific references to case studies from recent mass disasters. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Students may research a relevant topic of their choice throughout the semester, culminating in an annotated bibliography. Possible topics include photographic superimposition, interpretation of trauma, estimating time since death, and mass disasters. Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...0057 ANTH 110 ANTH 0001 ANTH 115L ANTH...0006 COMM 180 COMM 0010 COMP 122 CSCI...
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