Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - ARCH 452 D100

Ancient Health and Disease (4)

Class Number: 2254

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 14, 2026
    Fri, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 373 or HSCI 321, HSCI 324, BPK 303, BPK 324, BPK 325, BPK 326. ARCH 373 is recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the study of ancient and historic diseases in humans and animals as expressed in bones, teeth, mummified remains, art, and historical documents. Provides a foundation for the interpretation of pathological conditions in the human skeleton and the impact of social change on human health and well-being over time. Students who have taken ARCH 332 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Health and disease are aspects of the human experience that link the past and present and have helped shape human history. This course introduces students to paleopathology – the study of diseases in ancient human and animal remains. Students enrolled in this course will learn how to identify, document, and interpret pathological and traumatic lesions, with a focus on human bones and teeth. We will also touch on diseases in animals as well as archaeological, artistic, historical, molecular, and clinical data as they pertain to the study of ancient health and disease. Students will also learn how the study of ancient disease can contribute to our understandings of past lifeways as well as socioeconomic, environmental, and evolutionary changes in the ancient world.

 NOTE: This course will include discussions and images relating to human remains, disease, and death. Laboratory and group assignments will include work with real and replica human remains.

Grading

  • Laboratory Assignments 30%
  • Group Project 20%
  • Group Project 25%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings will be assigned throughout the term and will be available online or through the SFU library.

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: 


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.