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ARPA570 Forensic Archaeology

Updated: 31 March 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 2 Off Campus C - Internet access required
Intensive School(s) None
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions ARPA370 or ARPA470
Notes None
Combined Units ARPA370 - Forensic Archaeology
Coordinator(s) Peter Grave (pgrave@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit is an introduction to the theory and practice of forensic archaeology (as distinct from forensic anthropology) - the application of archaeological methods in the collection and interpretation of data and contexts for controversial cases or at a crime scene and an introduction to how these data are used as evidence. The unit will be textbook-based. Topics will include survey and site detection methods, excavation methods, recording and interpretation of evidence, types of evidence (eg cultural, stratigraphic, analytical), the integrity of evidence and will draw from a range of well documented cases (eg the 5000 year old 'iceman', the Turin shroud, 20th century war crimes).
Materials No text required
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 20% 2000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 5 GA: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Assignment 2 30% 3500
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-3, 6 GA: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Final Examination 2 hrs 50%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-3, 4, 6 GA: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. exhibit broad and comparative knowledge of role of archaeology as forensic tool;
  2. understand key concepts;
  3. apply understanding of range of archaeological techniques to forensic contexts;
  4. be familiar with wide range of relevant forensic and historical contexts;
  5. critically evaluate and apply online resources;
  6. show broad and comparative knowledge of the role of forensic archaeology in issues of social justice.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge of the archaeology discipline will be taught with lecture notes and through discussions on Blackboard (student centred). It will be assessed through written assessments. 		True True
2 Communication Skills
Students will be taught communication skills through written and oral feedback on the assignment and participation component of the course. Students studying on-campus will learn valuable communication skills through participation in tutorials (this will include debates and small group work). Students will be assessed on the style of writing, clarity of writing, expression and development of ideas, and referencing. Students will practice their communication skills through completing the assessment tasks (written through essays). 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
Students will learn about a variety of case studies drawn from around the world. They will be assessed on their capacity to illustrate the principles of forensic anthropology, and the way forensic sciences how international events have impacted on Australia's adoption of forensic identification techniques. 		True True
4 Information Literacy
Students will be taught, and directed, to relevant archaeological literature and how to assess its validity. Students will be assessed (through the essay) on their ability to identify relevant literature, and on their ability to critically analyse the literature. 		True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Through completing the assessments, students will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to research, write and discuss social issues. These skills can be transferred to any discipline, and will be useful in any research positions. These attributes will be assessed in all of the assessments (written skills; analytical skills). In addition, students who attend tutorials will be provided with the skills to debate contentious topics and develop their understanding of a topic through group activities. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Students will be assessed on their ability to conceptualise archaeological problems and formulate a range of solutions to both research and presentation. Collect, collate and analyse relevant information to assist problem solving (practice). 		True True
7 Social Responsibility
Students will be taught about their professional responsibilities as a researcher to provide balanced and accurate research. In addition, students will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'. This will be assessed and taught through their responses to the assignment questions and discussions in tutorials or online postings. 		True True
8 Team Work
Students will practice working collaboratively and network effectively to solve problems on the discussion board (Blackboard) taking initiative and leading others in this environment. They will also negotiate and assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others on the discussion board and in their own essays. 		True
   

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