This lab-intensive course will explore the methods used in physical anthropology for studying individual human remains, as well as those employed to establish biocultural connections at the population level.  Forensic techniques utilized in individual identification will be developed in the first third of the course.   You will become very familiar with human skeletal anatomy and bone physiology.  In the latter portions of the course, you will develop skills using bio-ethnographic tools such as paleodemography, paleopathology, and the techniques used in the reconstruction of ancient health and nutrition.  Ultimately, you will be able to identify fragmentary skeletal material typical of that found in many archaeological settings, and, using independent lines of evidence, establish a biocultural framework for ancient populations.

The three primary objectives of this course are to:  a) provide an opportunity to develop and expand your skills in the identification of human skeletal remains;  b) lead you into the literature and allow you to develop an understanding of how skeletal remains can be used in reconstructing prehistoric patterns of adaptation and biocultural evolution; and c) have you produce and present a piece of original research as you would do for a professional meeting.  With these objectives in mind, the course will be divided into three parts as follows:  during the "Human Identification" portion of the course, you will learn the bones of the body, as well as the major landmarks for each.  You will learn how to side the bone, determine age and sex, reconstruct stature, and identify possible causes of death.  During the "Bioethnographic Approach" portion, you will learn the methods used for biocultural reconstructions of ancient populations.

With these objectives in mind, the course will be divided into three parts as follows:  during the "Human Identification" portion of the course, you will learn the bones of the body, as well as the major landmarks for each.  You will learn how to side the bone, determine age and sex, reconstruct stature, and identify possible causes of death.  During the "Bioethnographic Approach" portion, you will learn the methods used for biocultural reconstructions of ancient populations.

The final week of the course will be dedicated to the presentation of original research projects conducted by each student during the course of the semester.  This is a 4 hour course -- one to two hours each week will be lecture.  During that time, you will learn the methods and theories pertinent to that  "feature".   The remaining class time will be spent focusing on a particular aspect of that feature in hands-on laboratory investigation.