Discipline: Anthropology Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Anthropology 10


COURSE DESCRIPTION
10 Forensic Anthropology Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
The application of the methods of physical anthropology, within a medicolegal framework, to the identification of human remains. Focuses on human osteology for the determination of age, sex, ancestry, stature, and unique features. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Application of methods of physical anthropology to the identification of human skeletal remains for medicolegal purposes.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Identify the bones of the human skeleton and distinguish them
from animal bone.

Apply basic techniques for the recovery and analysis of human
remains.

Apply objective and subjective techniques to the analysis of human
bones to determine age, sex, ancestry, and stature.

Relate forensic data to practical medicolegal applications.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1.  The discipline of forensic anthropology
    1. Historical development
    2. Relationships to the medicolegal community
  2.  Human osteology and odontology
    1. Identifying human skeletal elements and basic anatomy
    2.  Odontology: teeth, skeletal structures of the jaw
  3.  Forensic context
    1. Markers and techniques for distinguishing between human and animal bone
    2. Contemporaneity, old versus recent bone
  4.  Recovery and analysis
    1. Field recovery techniques: mapping, excavation
    2. The forensic laboratory
    3. Techniques of analysis
    4. Use of records
    5. Characteristics of decomposition
    6. Taphonomy: natural post-mortem processes affecting the body
  5. Human identification
    1. Individual identification: age, sex, stature
    2. Pathologies
    3. Cause of death: natural causes and ante-mortem trauma
    4. Basic techniques for race categorization
  6.  Relationship to law enforcement
    1. Laws and legal procedures used in the application of forensic anthropology
    2. Ethical considerations
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Class lectures, discussions, and demonstrations, in order for students to comprehend the basic concepts and frameworks used in modern forensic anthropology
  • Audiovisual presentations, including videos, slides, DVDs, handouts, and electronic or computer-based media, in order to illustrate and enhance course content and demonstrate application of course concepts
  • Presentation of skeletal and other hands-on materials in order to illustrate and enhance course content and demonstrate application of forensic techniques and methods of analysis
  • Pair, small group, and class collaborative exercises and projects using problems and/or hands-on materials, in order to allow students to apply methods of analysis and interpretation used in forensic anthropology
  • Development and assignment of research projects, essays, posters, and oral presentations, in order to allow students to explore topics in more depth and to apply concepts and methodology
  • Guest lecturers and demonstrations in order to learn field techniques and integrate forensic techniques with medicolegal practice
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Quizzes and examinations designed to assess mastery of course concepts, critically analyze problems, and apply key concepts
  • Individual and group assignments designed to demonstrate ability to apply methods and techniques and make reasonable inferences from forensic evidence
  • Written reports, essays, projects, posters, and oral presentations designed to apply concepts, utilize methods and techniques, and apply and evaluate evidence
  • Final examination designed to assess mastery of the essential concepts developed in the course
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Bass, William. Human Osteology: A Laboratory and Field Manual. 4 ed. Missouri: Missouri Archaeological Society, 1995.
  • Burns, Karen Ramey. The Forensic Anthropology Training Manual. 2 ed. any: Prentice Hall, 2007.
  • Byers, Steven. Introduction to Forensic Anthropology: A Textbook. 2 ed. any: Allyn and Bacon, 2005.
  • Byers, Steven and Susan Myster. Forensic Anthropology Laboratory Manual. any: Allyn and Bacon, 2005.
  • White, Tim. Human Osteology. 2 ed. any: Academic Press, 2000.
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