Osteoarchaeology The Truth in Our Bones

This course is about what we can learn from examining the human skeleton, and how we can use this knowledge to reconstruct the lives of people who lived in the past. In archaeology and anthropology, human skeletal remains can provide unique insights into the past and the present; insights that cannot be gained otherwise.These insights are explored in five main themes spread out over five weeks of learning. First, it is shown how age-at-death, sex and stature can be estimated by the close examination of (archaeological) skeletal remains. In subsequent modules it is shown how human bones can provide information about the diseases and injuries that people suffered from and what they ate. Also, it is shown how the human skeleton provides information about the kinds of activities that people engaged in and about how they migrated and moved around their landscapes.

In this course, you will examine all aspects of the human skeleton that can provide us with information about these different facets of life. Together we will explore the scientific field that is known as human osteoarchaeology.

• Human, because it is about us and our ancestors,
• Osteo, because it is about our bones,
• Archaeology, because we use this information to better understand the behaviors and events experienced by past people.

During the course, you will decipher the clues left behind in the skeletons of past peoples with the methods and techniques that are presented. You may also discover some clues hidden in your own skeleton and what they reveal about the life that you are living.

Want to know more? You can take a look at the course trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJi22TxzpRw

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Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Introduction to the course
Bones to Biography & Demography
Bones to Biography & Demography: Lesson Choices
Week 2
Bones to Disease and Trauma
Bones to Disease and Trauma: Lesson Choices
Week 3
Bones to Diet
Bones to Diet: Lesson Choices
Week 4
Bones to Activity
Bones to Activity: Lesson Choices
Week 5
Bones to Mobility and Migration
Bones to Mobility and Migration: Lesson Choices

FAQ

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

What does the course syllabus look like?

The course consists of five weeks, each week dealing with a different aspect of what we can learn from the human skeleton in an archaeological context.

Each week is concluded with a multiple choice quiz about that week's subject, as well as a "Solve the Mystery" exercise that involves students analyzing a fictional skeleton using the knowledge they have gained in that week. The final course grade is based on a combination of the grades received for these two exercises each week.

Course Content

Week 1 The Osteobiography. Estimating age in adults and subadults, estimation of sex and stature.

Week 2 Paleopathology. Different types of disease and trauma that can be detected in the human skeleton.

Week 3 Paleodiet. Using stable isotope analysis and dental disease to reconstruct diet in the past.

Week 4 Activity Reconstruction. Using entheseal change, joint degeneration and teeth to reconstruct activity in the past.

Week 5 Mobility and Migration. Using long bone morphology, Strontium isotopes and ancient DNA to reconstruct mobility and migration.

Do I need to buy any books to complete the course?

No, that is not necessary. All the study materials needed to complete this course, are provided during the MOOC.

Of course, if you want to learn more, you can always look for more (free) information online, or even buy a book on a particular subject.

Reviews

Loved this course. Allows you to go into more detail if you wish. Friendly lecturer. Facinating subject.

Incredibly informative, builds upon itself, and gives ample opportunity for application in case study assignments.

An interesting subject that was brought to life by a great instructor and support staff. The assignments were fun and engaging. I would highly recommend this course.

Very interesting course. Easy to follow and understand and most informative. Definitely increased my interest in this area and I look forward to discovering more