Osteology Syllabus Spring 2011

Anthropology 3510: Human Osteology

Course Description and Goals: In this hands-on laboratory course, we will take an in-depth study of the human skeleton as a dynamic, living system. We will examine each bone, with a review of normal and abnormal variations. In the course of this examination, we will cover bone biology, growth and development, and anatomy. You will learn how to record osteological observations and apply this knowledge to make determinations about age, sex, stature, and pathological conditions. We will also discuss how these data are used in the anthropological interpretation of historic and prehistoric patterns of health, disease, stress, and trauma, as well as discuss ethical considerations in studying human remains. Much of the course will be based on handling real human bones, so be prepared (and be gentle with material)! Prerequisite: Anth 2500 Intro to Biological Anthropology (or equivalent) Required Texts*/Readings: 1) The Human Bone Manual (2005), by Tim D. White and Pieter A. Folkens. Academic Press. 2) Standards for Data Collection from Human Skeletal Remains: Proceedings of a Seminar at the Field Museum of Natural History organized by Jonathan Haas. Jane E. Buikstra and Douglas H. Ubelaker (eds.). Arkansas Archaeological Survey. 3) Pdf articles as announced in class and posted on Course Reserves (http://loan.library.wmich.edu/ares/ares.dll). Password is: osteology. Look for announcements on the e-learning class page about supplemental readings or changes. *Bring texts to each class, particularly the Human Bone Manual. Do the assigned readings by the lecture date assigned. Class Website: on e-learning (after logging onto GoWMU, click on the green e button on top right). Announcements, sample burial reports, and handouts will be posted, and students must check regularly. Grading: Attendance & Participation Sketches (4 assignments) Labs (5) Quizzes (4) Burial Report Total points for course grade:

15% - 60 points 10% - 10 points each 25% - 20 points each 30% - 30 points each 20% - 80 points

= 60 pts = 40 pts = 100 pts = 120 pts = 80 pts 400 points

Osteology Syllabus Spring 2011

Attendance & Participation: Regular attendance is mandatory and will benefit your understanding of concepts and class performance. Note, that this class will be part lecture/discussion and part lab time, and under NO circumstances can you leave early during lab time the more time you have handling the bones, the more familiar will you become with all the features, which is why I also recommend attending the extra office hours for lab. I will count it as an absence if I note you have left class early. Be on-time and be prepared for class, and do assigned readings so that you actively participate, especially on days where Discussion is listed on the class schedule. For these discussions, a pair of students (see sign up sheet) will be in charge of preparing at least 6 questions (three per person) to generate discussion during these periods, via listed pdf articles located in course reserves. They will post these questions before class (at least 1 full day) under the appropriate discussion thread in e-learning so students can view them. On discussion day, the pair will briefly (under 5min each!) summarize highlights of their article and pose the questions to classmates and facilitate discussion. You are graded based on 1) your preparedness as a pair discussion leader, including posting questions in a timely manner (5%); and 2) how you contribute to discussion when not a leader as well as by regular attendance (10%). You can miss 2 classes without penalty, but after the second missed day, each additional unexcused absence will result in the lowering of your final points by 20pts (5% of grade). You must provide written documentation (e.g., signed by a medical doctor), explaining absences. More than 5 unexplained absences will result in a failing grade for the class. It is in your best interest to attend all classes as it is the only opportunity to study skeletal material for quizzes and your burial report, as well as do the labs, turn in assignments, and participate in discussion. Sketches: Use a folder to hold drawings of skeletal remains. Every two weeks, starting with the fourth week, submit your folder with drawings of four different elements studied within the past two weeks. Each element should be labeled with at least 10 major landmarks (e.g., label so an observer could side left/right, anterior/superior, proximal/distal, muscle attachments, foramina, etc.). You dont have to be a great artist or draw to exact scale, but the element must be recognizable. Use a real bone as your model so you note the variation from ideal bones shown in anatomy books. This skill is useful for field purposes and also helps you remember elements and their features. Youll end up with 16 sketches by the end, each worth 2.5 points. Labs: There will be five lab exercises, each worth 20 points. These labs will focus on practicing osteological methods and techniques presented in lecture. They are due at the end of the class meeting (except for Lab 5), with NO make up lab exercises. Quizzes: Evaluations of your grasp of class concepts will be obtained through four short quizzes, each worth 30 points (7.5%). Quizzes are administered at the beginning of class (dont be late!) and are timed. Each quiz will consist of bone identification (even fragmentary bone), identification of diagnostic features, and data recording where appropriate. Quiz items/questions are posted in individual stations and you are not to jump ahead your station until I announce time to move. There are NO make up exams. There will be an optional Quiz 5 given on Wed of Week 13. It will constitute all the material taught thus far so is the most comprehensive of quizzes, but also worth 30points. If you opt to take this final quiz, I will count the best 4 out of the 5 quizzes in tallying up your grade. Quiz material terms can refer to White & Folkens terms or those I provide in handouts. Correct spelling is important! 2

Osteology Syllabus Spring 2011

What will NOT be tested: - Those features not listed on book or handouts - Muscles that go with insertion/origin - Ossification centers - Type of faunal remains Burial Report: Within the first few weeks of class you will partner up with a fellow classmate and be assigned a burial to analyze for the remainder of the semester during days assigned in class and open lab/office hours. See below for the report guidelines. Worth 80 points (20%). Burial reports are due by the day after our technical Final Exam day (4/25), so due on Tuesday 4/26, by10am in my office. Late papers will receive point deductions with 10 points deducted if received after 10am on the due date, and an additional 15 points deducted if late full day. No papers will be accepted if later than 2 days (no papers after April 27) and no papers may be emailed or faxed; it is your responsibility to get your final paper in on time, in my hands. Feel free to submit drafts for my review or to turn in your paper early. Guidelines for Burial Report This paper will give you a chance to write a technical report such as an osteologist might be expected to write for a museum (for repatriation) or a cultural resource management firm. You will work with a partner to write this paper, due by the date and time listed above. Some burials include skulls, which requires more time, but yields more information. Be sure to work with your partner to divide work and find time to compare notes. Make photocopies of the appropriate data forms found at the end of Standards book to record your data. Check for interobserver error! Papers must be typed, double spaced, with 1 margins, and checked for spelling and grammatical errors. Include proper citations in text and a reference section at the end. In your appendix, include summary tables (as found in the Standards book) for inventory, metrics, stature, and photographs of relevant pathological conditions or significant findings. All reports should follow the structure listed below (and as seen in a representative burial reports posted on the e-learning class website). Introduction: Give the context of the burial material, i.e., location and any known provenience or associated reports and material artifacts (note that your burials generally lack this information). It is a good idea to give a brief overview of how the rest of the paper will be organized. Condition of bones: Preservation, notable postmortem damage, etc. Age: Methods used (cite), elements observed, age range from various sources of observation. Sex: Methods (cite), which elements observed, and summary determination. Stature: Bones measured and formula(e) used (cite) justify why such formula(e) used. Pathology: any observed, including possible cause of death. Record the presence/absence of the condition, noting severity and its relation to the sex and age of the individual. Conclusion: Sum up the findings. References: At the end of the paper include a bibliography of all of the references cited to in your paper. Use the format for references set out by APA (writing style guides: http://www.wmich.edu/library/help/guides/style.php). Appendix: Include data tables (summarizing Standards type of data collection) and figures (photographs scaled to fit black and white is fine).

Osteology Syllabus Spring 2011

COURSE SCHEDULE
Wk Date 10-Jan 12-Jan 2 17-Jan 19-Jan 24-Jan 3 26-Jan 31-Jan 2-Feb 5 7-Feb 9-Feb 6 14-Feb 16-Feb 7 21-Feb 23-Feb Sex and Age of the Skull Quiz 1; Skull: Metrics, Biological affinities Dentition: Morphology and Development; Sex & Age; Variation Diet; Diseases affecting skull Vertebrae, Sternum, Ribs Diseases affecting vertebrae & ribs Quiz 2; Clavicle, Scapula Humerus, Ulna, Radius Carpals, Metacarpals, Phalanges Class Topic Introduction: course topics, lab procedures; Anatomical terms Bone Biology and Function MLK Holiday: No Class Bones of Skull I Bones of Skull II WF 7 Sign up discussion Begin sketches WF19 (p.359-364, 385-389); BU p.15- Lab 2: Age/sex 16;19-20;32-36 skull WF 19 (p.400-411); BU p.69-78 Sketches 1 due WF 8; 19 (p.364-368); BU 5, 6 Assign burial pairs WF 17, 19 (p.411-414); (e) Lewis; Larsen( 2006- agric) Discussion 1 WF 9-10 (e) Rogers&Waldron; Lambert WF 11 WF 12 WF 13 WF 14 WF 19 (p.374-85, 393-398); BU 3 (e) Ortner & Mays; Weinstein WF 15 WF 19 (p.398-400); BU p.79-84 WF 16 (e) Judd & Roberts; Jurmain WF 18 WF 2; (e) Buzon et al.; Powell WF 3; (e) Walker; Rose et al. WF 5; BU 9 Discussion 4 Burial analysis Burial analysis Discussion 5; Lab 5: Photographing Burial analysis Burial analysis BU 10; (e) Goodman & Martin; Angel Discussion 6 (e) Larsen (bioarch); Wood et al. Discussion 7 Sketches 3 due Lab 3: Age/sex os coxae Discussion 3 Burial analysis Lab 4: Metrics; Sketches 4 due Discussion 2; Sketches 2 due Reading WF 1, 6; (e) Burns; Landau & Steele WF 4; BU p.3-5; (e) Bass; Ortner (optional) Activities Osteology refresher Lab 1: Inventory & Bone Biology

8 Spring Break 2/28-3/4 7-Mar Quiz 3; Bones of the Pelvis 9 9-Mar Pelvis: Sex and Age 14-Mar Limb growth and malformations 10 16-Mar Femur, Patella, Tibia, Fibula 11 21-Mar 23-Mar 12 28-Mar 30-Mar 4-Apr 6-Apr 14 15 16 11-Apr 13-Apr 18-Apr 20-Apr Long bone metrics; Height Tarsals, Metatarsals, Phalanges Diseases of the limbs and joints Quiz 4; Burial report update Field Procedures Ethics in Osteology Postmortem Modification (optional) Quiz 5; Film Paleopathology Bioarchaeology

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Finals Week: Burial report due by 10am, Tues April 26

WF= White & Folkens Bone Manual; BU= Buikstra & Ubelaker Standards; (e) = e-Course Reserves Note: This syllabus is subject to change: any changes to the syllabus or readings will be announced in class/online. You are responsible for knowing dates of quizzes and due dates for assignments and readings, especially related to discussion.

Osteology Syllabus Spring 2011

Introduction to the Lab A. Locations of reference materials (facing back wall from Right to Left) 1. Gray cabinet (Burials 1, 2, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15). Calipers. a. Top 2 shelves have most axial elements (vertebrae, ribs, pelves) b. Next 2 rows have upper limb and shoulder elements c. Bottom 2 rows have lower limb elements 2. Brown cabinet (Burials 16, 17) a. Left column top shelf: miscellaneous casts for sex and age b. Left column middle shelf: axial elements c. Left column bottom shelf: lower limb elements d. (ignore right column boxes) 3. Middle row of cabinets (casts of 7 individuals are located on surface of cabinet. Within lower row of cabinets (R-L): a. Exploded skull, infant articulated skeleton and child skull b. Skulls of adults c. Locked cabinet d. Casts and real bones with pathological conditions on right side. On cabinet surface: osteometric boards more toward middle. B. Dos and Donts DO put away specimens you are using when you are done in the proper box and shelf location, even if you didnt get them out. There is another lab section that follows ours and they need to set up their material as soon as our class time is over. DO report and repair any damage to specimens. Of course handle the material with care, but in the event something is broken, theres glue around for you to repair or get me if the you cant fix it yourself. DO work together and share. Some types of specimens are in limited supply. The best way to study is to combine working independently with working in groups. You are encouraged to form study groups now. Come during open lab hours (Thurs 3-4:30) or see me during office hours where I have some bone casts located in my office or can unlock the lab for you for a limited time realize that time spent in lab is directly proportional to your success in the class. DONT pick up a skull by the eye sockets like a bowling ball. Use the foramen magnum instead and always use two hands to support. DONT snap teeth together (maxilla and jaw). They chip very easily. DONT mark the bones with pen or pencil. DONT take any bones out of the laboratory. I have made an inventory of the remains and we have limited supplies so for common courtesy (your fellow students and future ones need to study too!) study only in the lab.

Osteology Syllabus Spring 2011

C. Handling bones Storage Like other natural products, bone is best stored in a cool and dry place. Do not store wet bone. If bone gets wet for whatever reason, allow bone to air dry before putting it away. Storing wet bone in plastic creates a humid micro climate that promotes the growth of discoloring molds. Ultraviolet radiation is destructive to the proteins that make up bone. Do not leave bone in direct sunlight for long periods of time, as they will become brittle and eventually fall apart. Cleaning Because bone is porous, it stains easily and absorbs oils from our skin. To prevent staining, bone should always be handled with clean hands. There is a sink, soap, and paper towels in front. If your specimen picks up dirt, clean it with warm soapy water using a gentle bristle brush. A soft toothbrush works great. Only wet the surface of the bone, as soaking bone all the way through will hasten decomposition or cause the bone to crack upon drying. Dont store it wet! Handling Handling bones safely is a matter of common sense. Dont handle specimens more than you have to. Hold specimens over a table or other surface with foam padding. Pick up skulls from beneath, watching out for loose mandibles. Never lift a skull by the eye sockets, zygomatic arches (cheekbones), or any other projection not meant to hold weight. Place skulls on the donut rings to stabilize and support easily chipped teeth. Remember that while strong, bone is not indestructible. Treat your specimens with care and consideration. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you are a student with a disability and would like to discuss special academic accommodations, please speak to me as early as possible. Also please contact Disabled Students Resources and Services at 2210 Wilbur Ave (269) 387-2116. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and procedures in the Undergraduate Catalog that pertain to Academic Integrity. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Academic Integrity. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.