Spring 2026 - ARCH 340 D100
Zooarchaeology (5)
Class Number: 4407
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
David Maxwell
dma50@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
ARCH 101 or ARCH 201.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the study of animal remains from archaeological sites. Coverage of the major concepts and methods used in the study of animal remains and detailed practical coverage of the vertebrate skeleton.
COURSE DETAILS:
Zooarchaeology is the identification, analysis, and interpretation of animal remains from archaeological contexts. This course is designed to introduce students to the practical skill of identifying animal remains, and to develop an understanding of the method and theory behind the interpretation of faunal assemblages.
The course has a significant laboratory component during which students will be expected to become familiar with the more common skeletal elements of the fish, reptile, amphibian, bird, and mammal skeletons. Lab time will also be devoted to learning to recognize common taphonomic damage, such as burn and weathering stages. Weekly quizzes will be used to evaluate identification skills. Lectures will focus on zooarchaeological method and theory, with topics including animal taxonomy, quantitative methods, the role of fauna in ritual, and taxon-specific issues.
Students will be required to prepare an original research paper (term paper) relating to some aspect of zooarchaeology. Paper topics must be discussed with and approved by the instructor by the 7th week of classes. Papers on human osteology or forensic science are not acceptable in this course.Grading
- Semi-Weekly Lab Quizzes (8 @ 5% each) 40%
- Cumulative Lab Quiz 30%
- Research Paper 30%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Broughton, J.M. and Miller, S.D. 2016. Zooarchaeology and Field Ecology: A Photographic Atlas. University of Utah Press: Salt Lake City.
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
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.