Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - ARCH 323 D100

Special Topics in Biological Anthropology II (3)

From Death to Discovery

Class Number: 6424

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 131 or any lower division biology course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Select topics relating to biological anthropology. Variable units: 3, 4, 5.

COURSE DETAILS:

In its broadest sense, taphonomy studies the events that affect the remains of an organism after its death. This course is designed to provide the student with basic theoretical knowledge and critical judgment related to the role of postmortem processes in medicolegal death investigations. The core of this course will deal with how the human body might decompose and preserve according to the surrounding environment, and how taphonomic knowledge can assist police forces in their casework. Students will learn how to recognise and distinguish between natural and human induced alterations to the body, estimate the place of death, and calculate time-since-death. At the end of this course, the students will be able to: (i) identify and describe the distinct stages of soft tissue decomposition and preservation; (ii) recognise and interpret taphonomic alterations in human remains, including the taphonomic agents and processes involved; (iii) estimate the place of death according to taphonomic alterations found; and (iv) estimate time-since-death using distinct methods and techniques.

Grading

  • Presentation 40%
  • Mid-term exam 30%
  • Final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Pokines JT, L’Abbé EN, Symes SA. 2022. Manual of forensic taphonomy. Boca Raton, CRC Press. DOI: 10.4324/9781003171492. 
ISBN: 978-0-367-77459-2

Christensen AM, Passalacqua NV, Bartelink EJ. 2019. Forensic taphonomy. In: Christensen AM, Passalacqua NV, Bartelink EJ. (eds.). Forensic anthropology: Current methods and practice. London, Academic Press: 145-181. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-815734-3.00005-1.
ISBN: 9780128157343

Dirkmaat DC, Cabo LL, Ousley SD, Symes SA. 2008. New perspectives in forensic anthropology. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 137(S47): 33-52. DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.20948

RECOMMENDED READING:

Schotsmans EMJ, Márquez-Grant N, Forbes SL. 2017. Taphonomy of human remains: Forensic analysis of the dead and the depositional environment. Oxford, John Wiley & Sons. DOI:10.1002/9781118953358. 
ISBN: 9781118953327

Haglund WD, Sorg MH. 1997. Forensic taphonomy: The postmortem fate of human remains. Boca Raton, CRC Press. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.319.7207.458.
ISBN: 0-8493-9434-1

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.