Topics In Anthropology (390-0-4)
Topic
Advanced Methods in Forensic Anthropology
Instructors
Erin Beth Waxenbaum Dennison
847/491-4818
1810 Hinman Ave., Room #A54A, EV Campus
Waxenbaum is a physical anthropologist and skeletal biologist specializing in human evolutionary biology, variation as well as human growth and development. She is also trained as a forensic anthropologist and currently serves as the Forensic Anthropologist for Cook, DuPage, McHenry and Champaign Counties.
Meeting Info
ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Fri 10:00AM - 11:50AM
Overview of class
This course provides a review of advanced methods employed within the practice of forensic anthropology - an applied subfield of biological anthropology. Forensic anthropology focuses an appreciation of skeletal biology on questions of medicolegal significance, for example in estimating aspects of identity and assisting in trauma assessment. In this course we will discuss the full range of issues associated with human skeletal identification from trauma analysis to the identification of individuals in mass disasters. These problems will serve as a model for understanding the broader aspects of applied anthropology. This class will include discussion of relevant literature in forensic anthropology and hands-on, dry lab activity to better appreciate the reality of practitioners in the field.
Registration Requirements
Instructor consent
Learning Objectives
"• Demonstrate knowledge related to methods and development of the field of forensic anthropology, including the history, legal relevance, and appropriate methodological approaches for the development of a skeletal, biological profile, and trauma analysis.
• Formulate hypotheses and utilize skills to acquire, analyze, and interpret skeletal data to test and revise these hypotheses concerning the development of a biological profile and forensic data collection.
• Appreciate the implications, utility, and limitations of inquiries within forensic anthropological methodology, both within the context of the field and the implications for the medicolegal community.
• Articulate and demonstrate a knowledge of the scientific process of forensic anthropological methods and the significance of methodological advances, in written form through dry, hands-on lab activities."
Teaching Method
Discussion and lab activities
Evaluation Method
2 exams; graded lab activities
Class Materials (Required)
PDF of articles will be available on canvas.
Class Materials (Suggested)
"Recommended texts:
Christensen AM, Passalacqua NV, Bartelink EJ. 2019. Forensic anthropology: current methods and practice. Second edition. Academic Press.
White & Folkens. 2005. The Human Bone Manual. Burlington: Elsevier Academic Press."