COURSE SYLLABUS
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF AURORA
INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY
Fall 2009
SECTION I: COURSE IDENTIFICATION
COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Studies the basic principles of forensic anthropology, an applied field within the
discipline of physical anthropology. Includes the study of the human skeleton, practical application of physical
anthropology and archaeology, and judicial procedure, as they relate to the identification of human remains within a
medico-legal context.
COURSE PREFIX/SECTION: ANT 201
CREDIT HOURS: 3
TIME/DAY: F 8:00-10:40 am
LOCATION: C-311
INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Hirsh
E-MAIL: Desire 2 Learn email or Elizabeth.Hirsh@ccaurora.edu
TELEPHONE: 303-360-4723
MAILBOX: CTC C-210
OFFICE: CTC F-103D
OPEN LAB/OFFICE HOURS:
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS: Must be brought to class every meeting unless otherwise instructed.
Byers SN. (2008). Introduction to Forensic Anthropology: A Textbook, Third Edition. Boston: Pearson Publishing.
ISBN: 0205512291.
Byers, SN. (2008). Forensic Anthropology Laboratory Manual, Second Edition. Boston: Pearson Publishing.
ISBN: 0205532365
Calculator
DESIRE 2 LEARN: You can access Desire 2 Learn by going directly to https://cca.desire2learn.com/.
E-MAIL: All students enrolled in the Community College of Aurora are assigned a college email account, and this
email account is the college’s primary means of communication with students. You can get directions to your Email through the registration system (MyCommunity Ed).
CCA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. To request an
accommodation, contact the Accessibility Services Office (ASO) Director, Reniece Jones, at your earliest
convenience. The ASO is located in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) in the Student Centre building at the
CentreTech campus, in Room S-202E. Arrangements may also be made at the Lowry Campus. You may contact
Reniece at (303)361-7395 V/TDD/VP, (303)340-7551 FAX, or e-mail: Reniece.Jones@CCAurora.edu. For more
information, go to: http://www.ccaurora.edu/students/academic/accessibility/index.shtml.
Emergency evacuation procedures will be discussed in class.
SECTION II: COURSE OUTLINE AND STUDENT OUTCOMES
GENERAL LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF AURORA:
The Instructional Unit has identified the following lifelong skills that are the
foundation for your course of study at CCA: Written and Oral Communication, Critical Inquiry, Intra and
Interpersonal Responsibility, Quantitative Reasoning, Technology, and Aesthetic Perception. This course will
focus on the following lifelong skills:
[Critical Inquiry]
Formulating solutions to problems by separating information into component parts, determining the
relevancy of data, evaluating facts and inferences and recognizing logical fallacies in reasoning.
Evaluating alternative viewpoints, arguments, belief systems, and the like in order to analyze the
divergent views of others and to interpret behaviors without making stereotypical or prejudicial
judgments.
[Quantitative Reasoning]
Illustrating basic mathematical functions i.e. addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division;
estimating and judging the reasonableness of numerical results; and thinking proportionally.
Interpreting and applying statistical information in various forms, e.g. charts, graphs.
[Communication]
Constructing effective written and oral communications using content, organization and delivery
techniques that convey accurate, concise and complete information appropriate to topic, audience,
occasion and purpose.
Creating written communications using grammar, sentence structure, mechanics (i.e. capitalization,
punctuation), spelling skills and content appropriate to defined standards or criteria.
[Personal Responsibility]
Determining appropriate ways to work successfully with people of diverse physical capabilities,
cultural, ethnic, religious, philosophical, and ethical orientations.
Demonstrate the ability to plan, organize, manage, and successfully complete a variety of tasks and
projects within defined time lines.
Analyze and accept responsibility for personal behaviors and interactions.
Successful students will have shown through in-class exercises and specific course assignments the ability to pursue
and retain knowledge, comprehend the various significant levels of acquired knowledge (analyzing and identifying
their various components), evaluate the significance of that knowledge, synthesize ideas from multiple sources, and
apply what is learned to work and life situations.
Through assigned readings, class participation, writing assignments, and examinations, the successful student will
be able to:
1. The Nature of the Discipline
a. define and discuss the methods of research and investigation utilized by forensic anthropology.
b. discuss the history, purpose, and features of the field and its relation and relative position within the
general framework of academic disciplines.
c. identify the applied aspects of the field of anthropology and their relevance to public life.
d. identify and asses the occupational opportunities which exist for individuals wishing to pursue a career
in forensic anthropology.
2. Methods of Forensic Anthropology
a. discuss the basic techniques of forensic research and analysis, including recovery techniques, forensic
excavation techniques, and laboratory analysis.
b. identify the medico-legal methods of forensic anthropology, including autopsy and postmortem
analysis
c. identify the ethical rules of the field of forensic anthropology.
3. Judicial System
a. identify the related legal rules of classifying and interpreting evidence, jurisdiction, and causes of
death.
b. investigate the legal expectations of forensic anthropology, including testifying as an expert.
c. discuss the role of anthropologists at scenes of mass death, international human rights violations, and
genocide.
4. Crime Scene Investigation
a. identify remains of medico-legal significance, including distinguishing recent from archaeological
remains and human from animal remains.
b. discuss the protocols of evidence collection, documentation, mapping, and report writing.
5. Human Osteology
a. identify, by visual analysis, the bones and teeth of the human skeleton.
b. identify the function of bone and teeth.
6. Interpretation and Identification
a. identify a biological profile, including the characteristics to determine the sex, age, ancestry, and
stature of skeletal remains.
b. identify the characteristics of trauma and pathology, causes of death, and the estimation of time since
death.
c. recognize the characteristics of antemortem and postmortem skeletal conditions.
d. identify taphonomic processes that can affect human remains.
e. discuss the advanced medical techniques of identification, including fingerprinting, genetic analysis,
facial reconstruction, photographic analysis, etc.
SECTION III: EVALUATION PROCEDURES
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES: This course will cover selected chapters of the book and additional selected
handouts. Student progress may be evaluated through a combination of activities such as, quizzes, papers,
discussions, tests, and participation. Timely completion of assignments, prompt attendance, participation in class
activities and discussions, and the tested ability to apply learned knowledge to common-life experiences will weigh
toward the grade.
DESIRE 2 LEARN: An online Desire 2 Learn (D2L) shell has been created for this course, to which all of you are
registered. You can access D2L by going directly to https://cca.desire2learn.com/. Use D2L to access the syllabus,
retrieve supplemental handouts, check announcements, and other course features. Get in the habit of checking it
daily. If you do not feel comfortable with the technological requirements of this course, it is your responsibility to
attend a training session provided free for CCA students.
ATTENDANCE: Because participation in class labs will form an important part of the learning experience for the
course, regular attendance is required. Students are expected to attend every class, to arrive on time, and to stay for
the full class period. Attendance will be taken daily at the start of class.
CLASS POLICIES:
Policy of respect: Some of the material you will be using is human. These are remains of loved ones.
Respectful behavior is required. Food and drinks are allowed in the lab, but only on the back table and
NEVER near the human remains. Hands should be washed before and after handling remains. Follow all
rules about proper handling techniques.
This is a seminar and lab style class. This means that each class period will consist of discussions of
specified topics. All students are required to actively participate in discussions and will complete questions
and/or prepare summaries prior to each class period. Class may include a combination of brief instructor-led
lectures, quizzes, lab exercises, or other activities to facilitate learning.
Electronic submission of assignments is permitted, however, technical issues will not be accepted as an excuse
for late submission. It is the responsibility of the student to verify that the instructor receives assignments ontime (by scheduled class period). Late homework assignments will be penalized one letter grade and will not
be accepted after one-week past the original due date. Labs may only be made up during a scheduled open lab
period and will be penalized one letter grade per class. Extra credit is unlikely.
Cell phones must be turned off or turned to silent/vibrate during class. Phones will not be answered in class.
Text-messaging is not permitted in class.
GRADING CRITERIA: Grades will be calculated as follows:
Quizzes 250 points (19%)
Written Homework (Chapter exercises, CSI, Final project) 400 points (31%)
Labs 650 points (50%)
1300-1170
1169-1040
1039-910
909-780
Below 780
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=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
F
QUIZZES/TESTS: There will be three quizzes, each comprised of practical identification and written portions.
The final exam is cumulative. You cannot make-up the practical portion of an exam, but the written section may be
made-up at the LRC testing center within one-week of the exam date. The written make-up will be different than
the in-class version.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS (Chapter exercises, CSI, Final project):
Chapter homework assignments (200 points total)- Answer assigned chapter exercises, including reviewing
general knowledge, analyzing and problem solving, critical thinking, and application of forensic techniques in short
case studies.
CSI Assignment (50 points)- This assignment is meant for you to apply a critical eye to the popular
presentation of forensics. You will need to select an hour-long television program to watch that has a forensic
anthropology theme, either non-fiction crime shows (e.g., Forensic Files, The New Detectives, etc.) or fiction
forensics shows (e.g., Bones, some episodes of the CSI series or NCIS, etc.). Not all crime shows, and not all CSItype shows are directly relevant to forensic anthropology, so you should check the program/episode description
before watching. You will write a reaction to the program and address the following components:
Provide a brief introduction (a short paragraph) to summarize the forensic content or case of the episode
Describe and analyze the forensic methods used in the case.
Identify and define at least 10 vocabulary words that you have learned this semester and that are used in the
episode
Explain inconsistencies in the reality of forensic anthropology and how it is portrayed on television.
Correct grammar, spelling, and complete sentences are required.
Final Report (150 points)- You will write a research paper that focuses on a topic of forensic science that you
want to investigate further. Everyone must choose a different topic. Possible topics include
investigating, analyzing, and taking a stance on a forensic anthropology controversy
researching and analyzing a medico-legal case, historical case, or archaeological case and applying forensic
techniques to draw conclusions
Format: 5-7 pages, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, 1-inch margins. You must use at least 4 sources (academic
books, professional websites, and/or journal articles) for your research. These sources should be reflected
by using proper citation and bibliography form. You can use, MLA, APA, or Chicago-style.
VIDEOS & LABS: Videos may be shown in this class. They present valuable information that cannot be gained
from a textbook. You are responsible for the content of the videos. In-class laboratory exercises will give you
hands-on practice with forensics and osteological concepts and analysis of osteological data. M ost class periods
will involve active participation in labs. Lab worksheets are to be completed in class and turned in at the end of the
class period. Lab exercises make up an important part of your grade.
INSTRUCTIONAL POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Academic dishonesty includes cheating and plagiarism. Cheating is the unauthorized use of assistance with intent to
deceive an instructor or any other individual responsible for evaluating a student’s work. Note the following:
Submission of any materials not prepared by students but presented as their own.
The unauthorized possession and/or use of notes, books, or the soliciting of assistance from another student
during an examination.
Illegitimate possession or disposition of examination or test materials and/or answer keys to tests and
examinations.
Plagiarism refers to the use of another person’s work without giving proper credit to that person. A student must
give proper credit through the use of appropriate citation format when (a) copying verbatim another person’s work
(i.e., words, phrases, sentences, or entire passages); (b) paraphrasing another person’s work (i.e., borrowing but
rewording that person’s facts, opinions, or ideas); and (c) summarizing another’s work (i.e., use of one’s own words
to condense longer passages into a sentence or two).
CONSEQUENCES OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
When dishonesty is evident, the following minimum sanctions will be applied:
First offense: The student will receive an “F” or “Zero” as the grade for the assignment. In addition, the
first incident may result in the loss of testing privileges in the Learning Resource Center for the current and
next semester in which the student is enrolled in the college.
Second offense: The student may receive an “F” for the course and may be expelled from the class. A
second offense may also result in permanent loss of testing privileges in the Learning Resource Center.
Third offense: The student may receive an “F” for the course and may be expelled from the college.
SECTION IV: PRELIMINARY COURSE SCHEDULE
Students will be responsible for completing each reading assignment prior to that assignment’s scheduled review as
outlined on the schedule. Important dates and activities are marked in bold-faced type below. The instructor
reserves the right to change the daily teaching schedule to facilitate learning and understanding. Assignment due
dates and the testing schedule may change with as much advance notice as possible. Students will still be required
to fulfill all assignments as outlined unless otherwise notified. September 9 is the last day to drop this course with
refund; November 23 is the last day to withdraw from this course.
Date Topic
Reading
Activities and Homework
8/28 Course Overview
Chapter 1 and 19
Lab- 1.1 and 1.2
Intro to Forensic
Anthropology
9/4
Overview of the
Skeleton
Chapter 2, pgs. 28-38,
52-54;
Quiz- general skeleton, anatomical directions
Lab- 2.1 (Skull)
Homework due
9/11
Osteology
Chapter 2, pgs. 38-43
Lab- 2.2 (Axial and Appendicular skeleton)
9/18
Osteology
Chapter 2, pgs. 43-51
Lab- 2.3 and 2.4 (Appendicular skeleton)
9/25
Odontology
Chapter 2, pgs. 54-58
Lab- 2.5 (Appendicular skeleton and Odontology)
Homework due
10/2
Forensic Context
Chapters 3 and 4
Lab- 3.2-3.3, review skeleton
10/9
Forensic Examination
Chapter 5 and 6
Quiz- Chapters 1-4, 19
Lab- 5.1-5.3, 6.2-6.4A
10/16 Ancestry
Chapter 7
Lab- 7.1-7.4
Homework due
10/23 Sex and Age
Chapter 8 and 9
Lab- 8.1-8.5, 9.5-9.8
CSI assignment due
10/30 Stature and Trauma
Chapter 10 and 11
Lab-10.1-10.2, 11.1-11.4
Homework due
11/6
Trauma
Chapter 12, 13, and 14
Quiz- Chapters 5-10
11/13 Trauma
Chapter 12, 13, and 14
Lab- 12.1, 13.1-13.3, 14.1
Homework due
11/20 Antemortem and
Postmortem Changes
Chapter 15 and 16
Lab- 15-1-15.3, 16.2
Final Project due
11/27 Thanksgiving Break
--
No class
12/4
Chapter 17 and 18
Lab- 17.2-17.3
Homework due
Review
Final quiz- Chapters 1-19
Individualization
12/11 Final quiz