ARMPAC-Palaeopathology in Adults and Children

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Mary Lewis
Email: m.e.lewis@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Palaeopathology is the study of the history of disease using primary information from human skeletal remains and secondary sources such as archaeological, ethnographical, artistic, iconographic, documentary and clinical data. It takes a multidisciplinary (biocultural) approach linking the biological evidence for disease with cultural contextual data. This module provides you with the critical skills required to recognise healed and active pathological conditions and interpret their significance in the contexts of key theoretical paradigms. Uniquely this module has particular focus on the growing field of child palaeopathology. 

Aims:

An analysis of trauma and disease within a skeletal sample is a critical element of any archaeological cemetery investigation and this module provides critical skills needed for human osteologists to fully interpret the skeletal data. You will learn to identify and address key archaeological questions for inclusion in specialist reports and for primary research projects. The module covers a variety of conditions and how they are differently expressed in adult and child remains. The focus on child skeletal remains is a unique aspect of this module.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the differences of disease expression in adults and children, and the mechanisms behind it


• Ability to identify and describe the range of pathological lesions evident on the human skeleton


• Critically assess the various types of evidence (archaeological, iconographic, documentary, medical) used in the analysis of past human health


• Critically assess the relevance, theoretical and practical, of palaeopathological analysis in the interpretation of past populations and their environment


• Ability to recognise and critically appraise theoretical approaches to the subject


• Organise the information to articulate an argument in writing

Additional outcomes:

The laboratory practicals are designed to develop identification and descriptive skills and to reinforce information and practices outlined in the lectures. You will learn to work both independently, and in groups to gain information on trauma and diseases manifested on human skeletal material.

Outline content:

Global context:

Reference to research and case studies of individuals from across the world will illustrate key principles and diseases throughout the module.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Each session will comprise a 1.5-hour introductory lecture followed by a 2.5 hour practical where examples of trauma and diseases within each disease classification, as outlined in the lecture, will be examined, recorded and described. Practicals will also contain formative in-lab quizzes to reinforce learning.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		15
Practicals classes and workshops		25
Guided independent study:		160
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Report	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

You will produce an Essay based chosen from a series of set topics (2500 words), a skeletal description (1000 words).

Formative assessment methods:

In each of the practical sessions you will be tested on your knowledge of human skeletal anatomy and use of palaeopathological terminology through informal discussions with the demonstrators and lecturer. In this way you will be provided with immediate feedback on your progression, and ways in which you can improve your skills. You will also receive the results of formative in-class pathology bone quizzes, and written feedback on practical activities (e.g. dental recording, description tasks) will be provided on request.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework in September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 22 September 2022