Dr. Joan Stevenson


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420 - Human Osteology and Forensic Anthropology



Instructor:
Dr. Joan C. Stevenson, AH 316, Phone: 650-4787; E mail: jcstvnsn@cc.wwu.edu
Texts:
Byers, S. N. 2002. Introduction to Forensic Anthropology: A Textbook, 2nd edition. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Optional but highly recommended if you’ve got the cash:
White, T.D. 1999. Human Osteology, 2nd edition. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
Get the 2nd and not the 1st edition.

A cheaper alternative that isn’t bad:
Steele, D.G. and Bramblett, C.A. 1988. The Anatomy and Biology of the Human Skeleton. College Station, TX: Texas A & M.
Pictures aren’t as nice. Even cheaper are flash cards that let you study anywhere.

Another new good one: Matsches E. W., Burbridge B., Sher B., Mohamed A., Juurlink, B.H. 2005. Human Osteology and Skeletal Radiology: An Atlas and Guide. New York: CRC Press.

In addition, future professionals in osteology should also acquire:
Scheuer, L., Black S. 2004. The Juvenile Skeleton. NY: Elsevier Academic Press.

Objectives of Class:
This is a hands-on class and you will be a competent human osteologist if you do well on the practicum. The tricky part after that will be trying not to lose the skill if you do not get an immediate chance to use it. You will also be introduced to the many strategies used in forensic anthropology. From there you need additional applied experience which can only be gained by getting a relevant job or serving with a board-certified anthropologist. This class just gets you started.
Week
Topic
B
(pp)
Overheads (OH)
1
 Intro to Class; Orientation, Histology
LAB: Review & Histology
28-31; 52-54
     
2
 Spinal Column: Cervical, Thoracic
LAB: Histo con’t; Hyoid; Spinal Column
Spinal Column: Lumbar, Sacrum, Thorax
LAB: Spinal Column con’t. & Thorax
Thorax con’t. & Pectoral Girdle: Clavicle, Scapula
38-40/OH
/OH
39-41
/OH
41-45/OH
     
3
 Pectoral Girdle con’t.; Humerus
LAB: Pectoral Girdle, Humerus
Radius, Ulna, Wrist
LAB: Radius, Ulna, Wrist
Pelvis
43-44/OH
/OH
46/OH

46-48/OH
     
4
 Pelvis con’t.; Femur
LAB: Pelvis and Femur
Patella, Tibia, Fibula
LAB: Lower Limb con’t.
Foot and Foot vs. Hand; Skull Views
48/OH
/OH
48-49/OH
/OH
49-51/OH
     
5
 Cranium
LAB: Skull bones
Cranium con’t.
LAB: Skull bones
Cranium con’t.
30-38/OH
/OH
/OH
/OH
/OH
     
6
 More cranium?
LAB: Skull & Review for Practicum
Mandible, Sutures
LAB: Skull & Review for Practicum
Forensic Anthro History
/OH
/OH
/OH

1-27
   
7
 Dentition
LAB: Dentition and Review
Dentition con’t.; Search Techniques; Site Survey
LAB: Review for Practicum
Excavation, Recovery, Treatment of Bones;
Time and Causes of Death
54-59/OH
/OH
86-106
60-85; 107-128; 129-157
274-354
     
8
 Time since death and fires, trauma
LAB: Review for Practicum
Review for Practicum
BONE PRACTICUM: No access to skeletal material or lab.
 383-405
     
9
 Non-metric traits; Aging and Sexing
LAB: Inventory “Body Bag” Race, stature and body weight
LAB: Age and Sex Unknown
Congenital Variations, Anomalies;
Traits Peculiar to the Individual Reconstruction of Facial Soft Parts etc.
 182-252

158-180; 254-273

406-444
     
10
 Role of the Expert Witness; Construction of the Police Report; NAGPRA
LAB: Height, Anomalies, Pathologies
Osteopathology 		444-453
 
11
 Osteopathology
LAB: Body Bag Analysis
Osteopathology and Practical Examples
LAB: Body Bag Analysis Applied Examples;
Grad student presentations?

There will be a quiz at the beginning of class Monday, Wednesday and Friday over osteology (until the osteology part of the course is finished). You will be allowed to drop your lowest two scores or to miss two quizzes. It is impossible for me to arrange a make-up for the practical exam. Do not miss it for any reason (or it is an automatic K).

Final Project: Four person teams will put together a complete description of a skeletal "problem set" (body bag). Working in teams is how forensic analyses are accomplished. Two of your lab partners will need to verify that you contributed equally to the final product. This exercise will count as the final exam and will be due no later than the time of the first day of finals week. Attendance will be taken for labs. You can miss 2 labs over the course of the quarter no questions asked.

Undergraduates: Your grade will be determined as follows: practicum 1/2, quizzes 1/8, and police report 3/8. Graduate Students: You will also be expected to review 3 articles on a topic of your choosing relevant to this course in a 2-4 page typewritten essay. You must have those articles approved by the third week of class. You will also make a brief presentation on your topic to the class (10-15 minutes). Your grade will break down as follows: practicum 3/8, quizzes 1/8, police report 1/4, and review paper 1/4.
Western Washington University | Vitae | Class Schedules