The archaeology of human bones

ARC00033M

Module leaders: Malin Holst and Oliver Craig

Module Overview

The scientific study of human remains allows us the best glimpse of how our ancestors lived, worked and died. Through a series of lectures an seminars you will explore the ways in which skeletal remains can be analysed to build up a picture of an individual by providing information such as age-at-death, sex, health and social status. We will also draw examples form the rich archaeological record that exists around Yorkshire to see what can be learnt about past populations by studying larger burial assemblages.

Aims

This module will address the questions of how and why we study human remains. It will introduce students to the field of human osteoarchaeology and provide them with a good understanding of the latest techniques used in the analysis of archaeological human remains.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will:

be able to critically evaluate different metric and morphological techniques that osteoarchaeologists use to study human skeletal remains
be familiar with ethical and cultural considerations surrounding human remains
have a clear understanding of the level of detail and confidence with which human remains can be investigated and interpreted
familiar with the reporting of human skeletal remains
enhance their skills in oral presentations, discussion and debate
enhance their skills in producing powerpoint presentations and in essay writing

osteoarchaeology practical