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Unit Overview

Description

This unit explores 'death' in literal and metaphoric senses across various human cultures within the Holocene epoch. One of the defining characteristics of being human is how we respond to death, so it is through archeothanatology (archaeology of death) that we gain insight into the behaviour and beliefs of the living. This unit covers the skeletal anatomy, ethics, legislation, and culturally appropriate protocols required by death investigators to interpret human burials including mass and violent deaths. Lectures will encompass the technicalities of identifying, recording, and interpreting mortuary contexts through diverse case studies. This unit does not address archaeological forensics, which is dealt with in FNSC2200 Mysteries of Forensic Science.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the Archaeology major sequence
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand the appropriate theories and methods used in studying the archaeology of death.; (2) understand critically and reflexively the ethical, legislative, and occupational health and safety requirements involved in the study of the archaeology of death.; (3) gain an understanding of human skeletal anatomy and the recording of human burials; (4) understand archaeological literature, specialised terminology, and data that are relevant to the archaeology of death.; (5) apply appropriate oral and written communication skills.; and (6) understand how groups are created and function, and then be able to work effectively within them..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written assignment; (2) module tests; and (3) practical work. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Ambika Flavel
Unit rules
Prerequisites
12 points of Level 1 study
Advisable prior study
a background in biological
or social sciences
Contact hours
3 modules (4 hrs ONLINE lectures and 4 hrs F2F practical per module)
Note
This unit teaches skills and content that are recognised and can be recorded as Group A and/or Group B Skills according to the Australian Archaeology Skills Passport of the Australian Archaeological Association: https://australianarchaeologicalassociation.com.au/careers-resources/the-australian-archaeology-skills-passport/

This Unit is a useful introduction to FNSC2200 Mysteries of Forensic Science, which is a practice and lab-based Unit.

To deliver the individual and group learning outcomes of this unit, participation in all learning experiences and assessment tasks is essential. Non-participation will result in some, or all vital content being missed, marks not earned, and/or penalties being applied.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.