Palaeopathology in Context

Module overview

The module comprises 2 sections; the first considers the current theoretical and methodological developments within palaeopathology and bioarchaeology, whereas the second portion comprises development of detailed skeletal and palaeopathological methods, knowledge and understanding. The topics considered in the seminar portion of the module will vary depending upon the research interests and foci of the academic staff, and will always be fully linked to major current research topics in palaeopathology and bioarchaeology.

Linked modules

ARCH6126

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

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

the critique of data and the interpretations derived from such data
the ethical issues surrounding working with human remains who experienced disease processes
the varying theoretical approaches to the analysis of human skeletal (and especially pathological) remains
the evaluation of results of analyses and studies

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

undertake palaeopathological analyses and the methods for differential diagnosis of skeletal disorders and pathology
integrate theoretical issues and archaeological questions with empirical data derived from bioarchaeology
use skeletal remains as a resource for studying past variability in heath and disease, but also in diet and subsistence, social structure and organisation, speciation and extinction, ideology and religious belief, and population history and migration
pose and tackle archaeological questions using skeletal data
critique specific techniques and methods of palaeopathological analysis
pose and tackle archaeological questions using skeletal and pathological data

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

undertake analysis and presentation of skeletal data including differential diagnoses (suitable for publication)
demonstrate awareness of ethical issues regarding aspects of disease

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching sessions will comprise lectures, guided practicals and student-led group seminars.

Study time
Type	Hours
Lecture	6
Seminar	12
Practical classes and workshops	6
Independent Study	126
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Ortner, DJ (2003). Identification of Pathological Conditions in Human Skeletal Remains. New York: Academic press.

Agarwal, S.C. and Glencross, B.A. (eds.) (2011). Social Bioarchaeology. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

White, T.D.; Black, M.T. and Folkens, P.A. (2012). Human Osteology. London: Academic press.

Buikstra, J. E. and Beck, L.A. (eds.) (2006). Bioarchaeology. London: Academic Press.

Katzenberg, M.A. and Saunders, S.R. (eds) (2008). Biological Anthropology of the Human Skeleton. New York: Wiley-Liss.

Larsen, CS (2015). Bioarchaeology. Cambridge: CUP.

Aufderheide, AC & Rodriguez-Martin, C (1998). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Human Paleopathology. Cambridge: CUP.

Assessment

Summative

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework and lab reports	40%
Academic poster	60%

Referral

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Academic poster	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal