Studying at York
The Archaeology of Human Bones - ARC00033M
Module summary
The scientific study of human remains provides the best insight into the lives of our ancestors. This course introduces the current theories, practice and debates in human osteology, including ethics, demography, ageing and sexing techniques, concepts of health, disease, trauma and mortuary practices. The module examines up-to-date examples from the rich archaeological record that exists in Britain to see what can be learnt about past populations by studying human skeletal assemblages and their associated contexts.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
-
To provide students with a good understanding of how we study archaeological human remains
-
To provide students with an overview of the latest methodologies and ideas applied to osteoarchaeological, demographic and funerary analysis
-
To allow students to place osteological data into its wider archaeological context
Module learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should:
-
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
-
be familiar with the reporting of human skeletal remains
-
enhance their skills in oral presentations, discussion and debate
-
enhance their skills in producing presentations and essay writing
Module content
Through a series of lectures and seminars you will explore current theories, practice and debates in osteology, palaeopathology and funerary archaeology, including ethics, demography, ageing and sexing techniques, concepts of health, disease, trauma and mortuary practices. We will draw on recent examples from the rich archaeological record that exists in Britain to see what can be learnt about past populations by studying human skeletal assemblages and their associated contexts.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback will be available within 6 weeks
Indicative reading
Cox, M. and Mays, S. 2000 Human Osteology in Archaeology and Forensic Science (London)
Mays, S. 2010. The Archaeology of Human Bones (London)
Roberts, C.A. 2009. Human Remains in Archaeology: a Handbook (York)