Bones, bodies and burials: osteology and comparative anatomy | ARCH2027

Module overview

This module examines the variation within the mammalian skeleton from an evolutionary and functional perspective. Additionally, it gives an overview of the main methodological and theoretical issues in the retrieval, treatment and interpretation of bone finds from archaeological sites and the relationship between humans and other animals. The module looks at patterns in bodily treatment and disposal, and the use and management of animal populations. It integrates practical study of human and animal bones with discussions of disease, diet, burial context, age and sex. It uses both practical sessions and lectures to develop your knowledge of mammal skeletons, and then project work to extend analyses into interpreting archaeological assemblages of bodies and bones.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Understanding of the processes that affect the preservation and recovery of human and animal remains from archaeological sites
knowledge of the typical body plan of a mammal skeleton
understand the reasons for the skeletal variability between taxa

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Clear and concise written presentation of a topic
Analysis of quantitative data

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

knowledge of how molecular studies can be used to gain information on human and animal migrations, diet, and population history
Writing of technical animal bone reports
Analysis of a faunal assemblages as a source of understanding of past environments, subsistence practices, craft, and trade

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Identification of the different elements of the human and animal skeletons

Syllabus

The module aims to give the student an understanding of the mammalian skeleton and its interpretation in archaeological studies. The first half of the module will deal with the identification and observation of the various bones in human and animal skeletons; the second half will deal with topics such as sex, age, and palaeopathology.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

Teaching methods include lectures and practicals
Osteology is a “hands-on” subject; where students play and active role in learning. An important aspect of the module will be studying specimens during practicals and in the bone lab outside of the module meetings.

Learning activities include

Lab study
Report writing
Background reading

Study time
Type	Hours
Teaching	30
Independent Study	120
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Osteological Reference Collection. Archaeology academic unit

Internet Resources

online resource of 3D-digitised skeletons made available by the Max Planck Institute (Leipzig).

Textbooks

O’Connor, T.P. (2000). The Archaeology of Animals Bones. Gloucester: Sutton.

Davis, S.J.M. (1987). The Archaeology of Animals. London: Batsford.

Schmid, E (1972). Atlas of Animal Bones. Basel.

White, T.D. & Folkens, P.A. (2000). Human Osteology. London: Academic Press.

Reitz, E.J. and Wing, E.S (2008). Zooarchaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Schwartz, J. (1995). Skeleton Keys. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Take-away task	50%
Report	50%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Written assignment	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External