Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ARCH 222 D100

Uncovering the Secrets of the Dead (3)

Class Number: 4482

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 131 or 12 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

After we die, our bones are often all that is left of our bodies, and there is a great deal we can decipher about the deceased from these bones. This course is an examination of what we can learn from the dead – more specifically from their bones and about who they were, how they lived, and how they died; whether recently or millions of years ago.

COURSE DETAILS:

After we die, our bones are all that remain of our bodies. Inscribed within them are records of our life history - our growth, activity, health, and trauma - that allow us to
reconstruct past lives, whether from the recent or distant past. This course examines what science can uncover about these life histories and how it does so, revealing what human
remains tell us about who people were, how they lived, and how they died. It explores how human remains provide the most tangible and direct evidence of individual and
collective lived experiences - from our earliest hominid ancestors to prehistoric and historic communities, and even to present-day forensic investigations. The course draws
extensively on the instructor’s professional experience and is grounded in an ethically reflective practice.

Grading

  • Weekly class assignments 50%
  • Term project 25%
  • Final exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Paul G. Bahn (Editor). Written in Bones: How Human Remains Unlock the Secrets of the Dead. Firefly Books, 2nd edition (2012)

Additional readings will be assigned weekly to most lectures and posted on CANVAS

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.