Course syllabus

 

Cemetery

Anthropology 235: The anthropology of human remains

SEMESTER 2, 2018

15 points

 
Course Convenor: 

 Judith Littleton - j.littleton@Auckland.ac.nz

Teacher:

 Judith Littleton - j.littleton@Auckland.ac.nz

Tutor: 

Caitlin Smith - csmi874@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Course delivery format:

2 hr lecture Wednesday 3-5pm

1 hr lab Thursday (see student services on line for which stream you are enrolled in) commening in Week 2

 (Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

Lectures will be recorded and posted by the end of the week.  We cannot guarantee the quality of lecture recording and note at least one lecture is a fieldtrip.  Reading quizzes will be completed during the lecture.  Labs are an integral part of the course as well since they provide the range of practical skills integral to this course.

 Summary of Course Description:              

 Human remains reflect the lives of the dead as well as the lives of those who buried them. In this course you will be introduced to the various ways in which we study the dead. The course will cover three areas: the interpretation of mortuary practices, the interpretation of past lives from human remains and the practice of burial archaeology in the southern hemisphere.

This course is an introduction to the field of human-focused bioarchaeology and is focused upon giving you the skills to observe, analyse and interpret mortuary remains (burials and their contents). It is co-taught with ANTHRO 367 and is designed for students continuing in biological anthropology and archaeology. In lab sessions we will concentrate upon your field observations, presenting and discussing results of those observations, developing research skills, working out how to interpret those observations using current theories.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the tools to:


• Explain the limitations and promises of the analysis of human remains
• Explain analyses of human remains and mortuary practice identifying the difference between observations and interpretation and the role of theory
• Make your own observations and then interpret using a theoretical framework
• Present your work to others in a coherent and professional fashion
• Master and demonstrate research skills including searching for sources of data
• Be able to identify and explain research and concepts relevant to course content

 Course outcomes:

Employability:

Able to analyse – undertaking independent research, identifying and using theoretical frameworks and concepts.

Practical skills for cultural resource management and archaeology – including appreciation of legislation, ethics, and the excavation and recording of burials and human remains.

Communication skills: presenting work in an oral and written format conscisely and accurately; able to debate sensitive issues

Social and environmental skills: awareness of ethical issues and the multiple responsibilities of a researcher, cultural sensitivity.

 

 Assessment Summary:

Task

Value

Due Dates

Reading quizzes

10%  (1 mark per quiz)

Question will be asked in Wednesday’s lecture – one quiz per week commencing week 3

Lab Assignment 1
(c3-5 pages, 1000-1200 words)

20%

Oral presentation week 3 or 4 in lab, written version 15 August, 3pm on Canvas

Lab Assignment 2

20%

In lab 20 September.

Lab Assignment 3
(c3-5 pages, 1000-1200 words)

20%

10/10 3pm on canvas

Take home exam
(2 essays – 3-5 pages each)

30%

Handed out on Friday 20 October, due 26 October, 11.59pm on Canvas.

 

Weekly Topics:

Check under the modules - each week will be given a separate module that covers lectures, readings and labs. Alternately download the syllabus below.

 

Prescribed Texts:

There are two readings each week for lectures and one optional reading for your interest.  These can be accessed via the reading list on Canvas or seen in the hard copy of the syllabus.

 Recommended Texts:

Optional info depending on course requirements

 Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. 

All coursework should be submitted by the due date and time. IF YOU ARE ILL OR HAVE SOME OTHER FORM OF EMERGENCY THEN CONTACT JUDITH AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO ARRANGE AN EXTENSION. Assignments will be accepted up to 48 hours late, with a penalty of 10% points per 24-hour period.

SYLLABUS: download a hard copy of the syllabus here. 235syllabus_2018_v1.docx

LAB MANUAL: download a copy of the lab manual here LabManualCompiledVersion.pdf

Course summary:

Date Details Due