Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - ARCH 442 D100

Forensic Anthropology (4)

Class Number: 4882

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 373 or CRIM 357, BPK 303, BPK 324, BPK 325, BPK 326. ARCH 373 is recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on the role of the forensic anthropologist in medico-legal death investigations, such as the recovery, identification and determination of cause of death of human remains found in a variety of settings. The lab component provides an overview of anthropological methods of examination of human skeletal remains, such as the estimation of sex and age, and trauma analysis.

COURSE DETAILS:

In its broadest sense, forensic anthropology is defined as the application of biological anthropological methods and theories to medico-legal death investigations. As such, this course is designed to provide the student with theoretical knowledge, practical skills and critical judgment related to the role of forensic anthropologists.

Overall, the core of the course will deal with the examination of human skeletal remains distinguishing human from non-human bones, evaluating their forensic significance, estimating time-since-death and the biological profile (i.e., ancestry, sex, age, and stature), establishing identification, analysing trauma and reconstructing the circumstances of death. Topics also include the detection and recovery of human remains, the role of forensic anthropology in mass disasters and human rights violations, and identification of living individuals. The examination of skeletonized human remains will be conducted in a laboratory component.

Grading

  • Lab assignments 40%
  • Critical review 30%
  • Final report and presentation 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Christensen AM, Passalacqua NV, Bartelink EJ. 2014. Forensic anthropology: Current methods and practice. San Diego, Academic Press. 
ISBN: 9780124186712

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.