Advanced Methods in Forensic Anthropology (375-0-1)
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 Lab A58 - 1810 Hinmn: Fri 10:00AM - 12:50PM
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 required
Learning Objectives
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 trauma interpretation.
• 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 the scientific process of forensic anthropological methods and the significance of methodological advances, in written form and/or demonstrated through dry lab activities.
Class Materials (Required)
None
Class Materials (Suggested)
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.
Additional readings will be provided on canvas.
Class Attributes
Natural Sciences Foundational Discipline
Natural Sciences Distro Area
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Students must have completed ANTHRO 309 or ANTHRO 275 to enroll in this class.
Add Consent: Instructor Consent Required