AR1FOR-Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: AR1FOR10 Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death [10 credit]
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Ceri Falys
Email: c.g.falys@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module investigates the archaeological methods employed in the scientific study of the dead, both from modern crime scenes and within older archaeological contexts. You will have the opportunity to analyse skeletal remains, and carry out fieldwork in the form of a cemetery survey, learning how to analyse and interpret these results. Through a series of case studies, you will explore the role of forensic archaeologists and anthropologists (working within the context of the ethics, law and politics) behind the examination of human remains.

Aims:

This module aims, through a series of case studies and a practical session, to outline the archaeological methods and theories employed in the scientific examination of the dead for forensic and archaeological purposes. This module will also provide a foundation for the issues and methods explored Parts 2 and 3 modules, especially Archaeologies: Past, Present and Future, Forensic Archaeology, Bioarchaeology, Food and Nutrition, and Biological Anthropology.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module it is expected that students will be able to:

• describe the main methods and theories employed in forensic archaeology and anthropology


• discuss critically the importance of the study of human burials to our understanding of the past


• outline the types of information gathered from the analysis of human burials from different periods to differentiate modern from ancient activity


• locate publi shed and IT sources and extract relevant information from them


• communicate effectively orally and in writing


• organise research material to present a comprehensive written argument


• develop numeracy skills though the collection, analysis and presentation of data


• undertake original fieldwork and research on cemetery data

Additional outcomes:

This module also aims to enhance the written and oral communications skills of the students, as well as an awareness of problem-solving through written assignments and in seminars. Group work will also be developed during tutorials and the optional practical session in the Summer Term. In addition, you will be able to demonstrate team-work, independent learning and develop your IT and numeracy skills through the Old Reading Cemetery survey.

Outline content:

This module will outline, through a series of case studies, the archaeological methods employed in the scientific study of the dead from modern crime scenes and within archaeological contexts. You will explore the role of the forensic archaeologists and forensic anthropologist working within the context of the ethics, law and politics behind the examination of human remains. A chronological guide through human burial practices explores how ancient people coped with death and dying, as well as providing a context by which to differentiate ancient from modern in a forensic context.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

You will be taught through a series of well-illustrated lectures with two follow-up seminars, and a practical session on skeletal remains in the Summer Term. You will be provided with oral feedback during the seminars and practical session, with feedback on your written assignment provided through both a group and Summer Term one-to-one feedback session. Guidance on how to carry out the Reading Cemetery Survey and analyse the data will be given in a dedicated Workshop.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		18
Seminars		3
Tutorials		1
Practicals classes and workshops			2
Fieldwork		4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		20
Wider reading (directed)		30
Advance preparation for classes		10
Preparation for seminars		6
Preparation of practical report		20
Group study tasks		8
Carry-out research project		24
Essay preparation		40
Reflection		14
Total hours by term	0	198	2
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Report	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Plan a hypothetical burial exercise, 1000 words (25%)

Research proposal [burial analysis], 1000 words (25%)

Reading Cemetery survey report, 1500 words (50%)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

An overall mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment of coursework in August

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 1 September 2021