JCU Logo
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "ARCH 210"
COURSE NAME: "Bioarcheology: Human Remains"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2023
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Jens Koehler
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 11:30 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course is an introduction to Bioarchaeology, the research on ancient human remains. The emphasis of the course is on the study of Osteoarchaeology and of Paleopathology, fields that are contributing in significant ways to current Archaeology. This will afford a composite engagement with the fields and their application in archaeological population and migrations studies, in dietary and environmental investigations, and in disease and trauma research. This is complemented by consideration of the archaeological context of the deposition of human remains. The course further addresses the methods and technologies of the fields, and considers high-impact case-studies in their application of Archaeology.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

Bioarchaeology is a relatively recent discipline within Archaeology. The progress in natural sciences and the related technologies to archaeological research have allowed for the application of new methods and technologies. As a consequence, a great range of archaeological material can now be incorporated into a site-analysis.

From a global approach to understand principles of Bioarchaeology, the course will focus on the study of examples of Mediterranean and European regions, and to case-studies from Italy and Rome. The chronological focus is on Prehistory, Classical Antiquity, and the Middle Ages, and the course includes an overview of the typology of tombs and on funeral rites relevant to these periods.

Areas of Osteoarchaeology and of Paleopathology form the central emphasis of the course and will be considered in turn.

Case-studies in Osteoarchaeology address macroscopic and microscopic analysis in relation to age, sex, and physical data; the application of isotopes (Strontium) and of DNA data for nutritional studies, migration patterns, and studies of genealogical relations within communities; and the contribution by thin-section dental analysis in population composition studies. Complementary information from Zooarchaeology will contribute to a better understand nutritional facts.

Case-studies in Paleopathology will consider the methods and applications for studies of skeletal-evident diseases, physical trauma, and medicinal and surgery interventions. This will be complemented by discussion of Forensic Archaeology, and of aspects related to the History of Medicine.

Study Visits

Visits to the laboratories of the Museo delle Civilta’, Servizio di Bioarcheologia, Rome, EUR, and/or to the Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica, Servizio di Antropologia, will provide a opportunities to see human remains in context and offer an insight to professional labs.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

·       Develop an understanding of central aspects and applications of the field

·       Gain familiarity with the interdisciplinary character of the field and its application across Archaeology, Art History, and the Natural Sciences

·       Identify and analyze relevant methods and theories of Bioarcheology

·       Critically engage with questions raised in recent bioarchaeological research

 

·       Develop a technical vocabulary appropriate to the field and its techniques

·       Learn how to undertake bibliographic research in a highly specialized field

·       Undertake research in the field, and develop critical arguments and focused discussions verbally and in writing

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Human Bone Manual (2005)T. D. White - P. A. FolkensAcademic Press978-0120884674 paperback 30-35 EuroHard Copy  
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm testThe midterm test will consist in short questions and an essay question.20
Oral presentationEach student will give one oral presentation on a case-study in Osteoarchaeology or Paleopathology. The presentation of 5-10 minutes should be accompanied by a class handout (1-2 pages). As possible, this will be based on material related to individual site visits. 20
Research paperAn initial outline of 1-2 pages, include a thesis, possible chapters, and a first bibliography must be submitted for approval. The final paper should be 6-8 double-spaced pages, exclusive of images and bibliography.30
Final examThe final exam consists in identification, short questions and cumulative essay questions.30

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until Dec. 15, 2023.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

M Sept 4

1. Introduction.

Course structure and practice, coursework.

K. Greene – T. Moore, Archaeology: An Introduction (5th ed. 2010), chapter 5.

W Sept 6

2. Bioarchaeology and Osteoarchaeology.

M. Q. Sutton, Bioarchaeology. An Introduction to the Archaeology and Anthropology of the Dead (2021).

M Sept 11

3. Archaeological Context.

Typology of Tombs: Burials and grave monuments below and above ground.

J. M. C. Toynbee, Death and Burial in the Roman World (1996); J. Pierce, M. Millett, M. Struck, Burial, Society, and Context (2001).

W Sept 13

4. Cremation, Inhumation, and Mummification: Ash urns and sarcophagi. Egyptian mummies and Carthaginian Tophet.

M Sept 18

5. Human Anatomy and Osteoarchaeology.

The human body and skeleton.

Merck manuals/MSD manuals online, engl./ital.; Johns Hopkins Medicine, Anatomy of the bone 2021;

W Sept 20

6. Principles of research, progress, and results.

J. E Buikstra, Bioarchaeology: The Contextual Analysis of Human Remains (2017); D. L. Martin, Bioarchaeology: An Integrated Approach to Working with Human Remains. Manuals in Archaeological Method, Theory and Technique (2013).

M Sept 25

7. Osteoarchaeology.

Ostia and the Isola Sacra. Nutrition and diet.

L. Bondioli et al., Isola Sacra necropolis; A. Sperduti, Comunità dei morti e individui scheletrici: dallo studio di popolazioni alla ricostruzione della storia biologica individuale (2011).

W Sept 27

8. Migration studies.

M Oct 2

9. Osteoarchaeology. The study of teeth.

  Irish (ed.), Technique and Application in Dental Anthropology. Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology 53 (2008);

W Oct 4 no lesson

Friday Oct 6

10. & 11. Osteoarchaeology at the Museo delle Civiltà.

Visit to the laboratory of the Museo delle Civilta’, Servizio di Bioarcheologia, Rome, EUR. Insight view into a professional laboratory.

M Oct 9 no lesson

W Oct 11

12. Osteoarchaeology and review for midterm test.

Microbiological Archaeology and Paleogenetics: Isotopes and DNA.

K. A. Latham – J. J. Miller, DNA recovery and analysis from skeletal material in modern forensic contexts, PubMed Central 2019; O. E. Craig, York: Transforming prehistory: what has been the impact of biomolecular archaeology for studying the transition to farming in Europe? see EEHARCSIC on YouTube 11/30/2021.

M Oct 16

13. Midterm exam

W Oct 18

14. Religion and Ritual.

Prehistorical origins, the first burials. From Egypt and Mesopotamia to Greece and Rome. Funeral rites and beliefs in the Afterlife. Grave gifts, funerary inscriptions, and ancient texts.

J. Pierce, M. Millett, M. Struck, Burial, Society, and Context (2001); B. E. Borg, Roman Tombs and the Art of Commemoration (2019).

Friday Oct 20 (make up for Nov 1) no lesson

M Oct 23

15. Ethics.

Human remains in modern religious beliefs.

W Oct 25

16. Paleopathology.

Health and life expectance. Endemic diseases.

J. E Buikstra, Ortner's Identification of Pathological Conditions in Human Skeletal Remains (3rd ed. 2019);

M Oct 30

17. Pandemics. Ancient surgery.

K. Harper, Plagues Upon the Earth (2021).

W Nov 1 holiday – no lesson

M Nov 6

18. Oral Presentations 1.

Case studies in Osteoarchaeology or Paleopathology.

W Nov 8

19. Oral Presentations 2.

M Nov 13

20. Oral Presentations 3.

W Nov. 15 - no lesson

Friday Nov 17

21. & 22. Paleopathology in Ostia Antica.

Visit to the Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica, Servizio di Antropologia. Insight view into a professional laboratory.

M Nov 20

23. Paleopathology.

History of Medicine.

D. Gourevitch, Pour une archéologie de la médecine romaine (2nd ed. 2019); V. Nutton, Ancient Medicine (2nd ed. 2012).

W Nov 22

24. Ancient authors.

M Nov 27

25. Environmental Archaeology.

Interaction between humans and landscape, temperature, rainfall.

K. Greene – T. Moore, Archaeology: An Introduction (5th ed. 2010), chapter 4;

W Nov 29

26. Paleoclimatology.

K. Harper, The Fate of Rome: Climate, Disease, and the End of an Empire (2017).

M Dec 4

27. Zooarchaeology.

Animal bones, hunting and domestication, diet. Sacrificial offerings.

D. Gifford-Gonzalez, An Introduction to Zooarchaeology (2018);

W Dec 6

28. Forensic Archaeology and review for final exam.

M. Cox, Human Osteology: In Archaeology and Forensic Science (2000).

Dec 11-15 TBA

Final Exam

 

 Independent/recommended site visits (additional/alternative visits):

MNR Terme di Diocleziano: prehistoric burials; Roman ash altars and sarcophagi, skeleton mosaic.

MNR Palazzo Massimo: girl’s mummy from Grottarossa.

MNR Crypta Balbi: burials in the apsidal hall/latrine.

Antiquarium Forense: Roman Skeletons from the Archaic Necropolis on the Forum Romanum.

Centrale Montemartini: sarcophagi and grave context of Crepereia Tryphaena.

Necropolis of the Isola Sacra, Fiumicino: Roman tombs of the imperial period.

Catacombs (Sant’Agnese, Via Nomentana): early Christian burials and human remains.

Convent and crypt of the Frati Cappuccini, Via Veneto: bones as memorial art.

 Accademia d’Egitto: Tutankhamen exhibition.

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

Archaeology

C. Renfrew - P. Bahn, Archaeology. Theories, Methods, Practice (3rd ed. 2000)

K. Greene – T. Moore, Archaeology: An Introduction (5th ed. 2010)

 

Bioarchaeology

C. S. Larsen, Skeletons in Our Closet: Revealing Our Past through Bioarchaeology (2002)

M. Brickley J. I. McKinley ed., Guidelines to the Standards for Recording Human Remains, British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology BABAO-and Institute of Field Archaeologists IFA, 7, 2004

J. D. Irish (ed.), Technique and Application in Dental Anthropology. Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology 53 (2008)

D. L. Martin, Bioarchaeology: An Integrated Approach to Working with Human Remains. Manuals in Archaeological Method, Theory and Technique (2013)

C. S. Larsen, Bioarchaeology: Interpreting Behavior from the Human Skeleton. Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology 69 (2nd ed. 2015)

J. E Buikstra, Bioarchaeology: The Contextual Analysis of Human Remains (2017)

M. Q. Sutton, Bioarchaeology. An Introduction to the Archaeology and Anthropology of the Dead (2021)

V. Dalal et al., Advancements and Challenges in Ancient DNA Research: Bridging the Global North–South Divide, Genes 2023, 14 (2), 479

 

Burials

J. M. C. Toynbee, Death and Burial in the Roman World (1996)

J. Pierce, M. Millett, M. Struck, Burial, Society, and Context (2001)

H. Duday, Lezioni di Archeotanatologia (2006)

E. M. Murphy, Deviant Burial in the Archaeological Record. Studies in Funerary Archaeology), 2008

R. Gowland – C. Knusel, The Social Archaeology of Funerary Remains. Studies in Funerary Archaeology (2009)

L. Bondioli et al., Isola Sacra necropolis (see: http://www.ostia-antica.org/dahp/cd2/cementum/projectt.htm)

A. Sperduti, Comunità dei morti e individui scheletrici: dallo studio di popolazioni alla ricostruzione della storia biologica individuale, in V. Nizzo (ed.), Dalla nascita alla morte: Antropologia e Archeologia a confronto (2011)

B. E. Borg, Roman Tombs and the Art of Commemoration (2019)

M. Boyajian, Three Books on Ancient Roman Death: Suicide, Infanticide and Burial (2019)

D. Borbonus, Organized Collective Burial in the Port Cities of Roman Italy (2020)

 

Paleopathology and Ancient Medicine

D. Gourevitch, Les maladies dans l’art antique (1998)

N. H. Metcalf, In what ways can human skeletal remains be used to understand health and disease from the past?, Postgrad Med J. 2007 Apr; 83 (978) 281–284

V. Nutton, Ancient Medicine (2nd ed. 2012)

K. Harper, The Fate of Rome: Climate, Disease, and the End of an Empire (2017)

D. Gourevitch, Pour une archéologie de la médecine romaine (2nd ed. 2019)

J. E Buikstra, Ortner's Identification of Pathological Conditions in Human Skeletal Remains (3rd ed. 2019)

K. Harper, Plagues Upon the Earth (2021)

Kyle Harper, Ancient Pandemics Webinar Series (2020)

 

Zooarchaeology

T. O'Connor, The Archaeology of Animal Bones (2004)

E. J. Reitz, Zooarchaeology. Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology (2008)

N. Russell, Social Zooarchaeology. Humans and Animals in Prehistory (2012)

U. Albarella et al. (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Zooarchaeology (2017)

D. Gifford-Gonzalez, An Introduction to Zooarchaeology (2018)

 

Environmental Archaeology

Environmental Archaeology – The Journal of Human Palaeoecology (EA)

L. Thommen, An Environmental History of Ancient Greece and Rome, 2012

W. Scheidel, The Science of Roman History: Biology, Climate, and the Future of the Past, 2018

 

Forensic Archaeology

M. Cox, Human Osteology: In Archaeology and Forensic Science (2000)

S. Blau – D. H. Ubelaker (ed.), Handbook of Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (2nd ed. 2016)

K. S. Moran – C. L. Gold (ed.), Forensic Archaeology. Multidisciplinary Perspectives (2019)