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
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:
- Analysis of a faunal assemblages as a source of understanding of past environments, subsistence practices, craft, and trade
- 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
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- understand the reasons for the skeletal variability between taxa
- knowledge of the typical body plan of a mammal skeleton
- Understanding of the processes that affect the preservation and recovery of human and animal remains from archaeological sites
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
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
Davis, S.J.M. (1987). The Archaeology of Animals. London: Batsford.
Schwartz, J. (1995). Skeleton Keys. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
White, T.D. & Folkens, P.A. (2000). Human Osteology. London: Academic Press.
O’Connor, T.P. (2000). The Archaeology of Animals Bones. Gloucester: Sutton.
Reitz, E.J. and Wing, E.S (2008). Zooarchaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Schmid, E (1972). Atlas of Animal Bones. Basel.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 50% |
Take-away task | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Written assignment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External