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Janet Monge
Forensic anthropology involves medico-legal cases where human remains have lost "personhood" (an individual cannot be identified due to decomposition or destruction of unique personal features). We will learn techniques that biological anthropologists apply...
Read more
Forensic anthropology involves medico-legal cases where human remains have lost "personhood" (an individual cannot be identified due to decomposition or destruction of unique personal features). We will learn techniques that biological anthropologists apply...
Read more
Forensic anthropology involves medico-legal cases where human remains have lost "personhood" (an individual cannot be identified due to decomposition or destruction of unique personal features). We will learn techniques that biological anthropologists apply to these cases to identify certain social attributes. We will also blend both biological and social anthropology to analyze human variation and well-being in urban settings.
This course will investigate and discuss the various techniques of analysis that biological anthropologists can apply to forensic cases. Topics include human osteology, the recovery of bodies, the analysis of life history, the reconstruction of causes of death, and various case studies where anthropologists have contributed significantly to solving forensic cases. Discussions will include the limitations of forensic anthropology and the application of DNA recovery to skeletal/mummified materials.
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Exposes learners to the identification of social attributes from human remains in forensic anthropology
Involves topics highly relevant to forensic science
Explores techniques that are applicable to both biological and social anthropology
May require prerequisite knowledge in forensic anthropology or related fields
Involves case studies to illustrate the practical application of forensic anthropology
Covers a wide range of topics within forensic anthropology
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Reviews summary
Engrossing intro to forensic anthropology
REAL BONES: Adventures in Forensic Anthropology is a highly-rated course that serves as an excellent introduction to forensic anthropology. Students reported that the course was well-structured, informative, and engaging. Professor Janet Monge's passion for the subject matter and clear explanations made the material accessible and interesting. Overall, students found this course to be a valuable learning experience that met or exceeded their expectations.
Includes real-world case studies.
"It added a great deal of my knowledge of the subject."
"Great course with very good insight and a wonderful teacher."
"I would have loved more case studies, but those included were relevant and helped with understanding."
Professor Monge is knowledgeable and passionate.
"Fantastic Course, Janet is a lovely teacher passionate about what she does."
"Dr. Monge is a wonderful lecturer, very clear, dynamic and obviously passionate about her subject which keeps it interesting."
Clear explanations and interesting content.
"The course is fascinating, well-structured and Janet Monge is a very down-to-earth forensic anthropologist"
"I learned so much about the field of Forensic Anthropology."
"This class was informative and engaging!"
Course does not offer a certificate.
"It is a nicely done course but, unfortunately, it does not offer a certificate."
"Why didn't I receive a certificate???"
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in REAL BONES: Adventures in Forensic Anthropology with these
activities:
Review basic human biology and anatomy
Show steps
Strengthen your foundational understanding of human biology and anatomy, which are essential for comprehending forensic anthropology
Browse courses on
Human Biology
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbooks from previous human biology and anatomy courses
-
Take an online quiz or practice exam to test your knowledge
-
Identify areas where you need additional review and focus on those topics
Watch documentaries on forensic anthropology
Show steps
Gain insights into the field of forensic anthropology by watching documentaries.
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
-
Identify relevant documentaries
-
Watch and take notes on documentaries
Read anthropology journal articles
Show steps
Reinforce your knowledge of basic anthropological concepts and theories by reading journal articles.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant journals
-
Browse abstracts and choose articles
-
Read and take notes on articles
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Review Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
Bring yourself up to speed with an anthropological approach to forensic science by reading a book written by experts in the field of forensic anthropology
View
Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow the textbook Introduction to Forensic Anthropology by Steven N. Byers and Donald Ubelaker
-
Read the first three chapters by the end of the first week of class
-
Read the next four chapters by the end of the second week of class
Discuss case studies with classmates
Show steps
Gain different perspectives and deepen your understanding by discussing case studies with classmates.
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
-
Select a case study
-
Prepare for discussion
-
Participate in discussion
Complete a tutorial on human osteology
Show steps
Build a solid foundation in human osteology through an in-depth tutorial, which you'll need to understand as you analyze and identify human remains
Browse courses on
Human Osteology
Show steps
-
Identify a reputable and comprehensive tutorial on human osteology
-
Set aside two hours to work through the tutorial in its entirety
-
Take notes and highlight important concepts
-
Review your notes and practice identifying bones using images or a physical model
Participate in a study group with classmates
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention by engaging with classmates, discussing course material, and sharing perspectives
Browse courses on
Collaborative Learning
Show steps
-
Form a study group with 2-4 classmates who are also taking the course
-
Set regular meeting times and stick to them
-
Take turns leading discussions on different topics from the course
Practice estimating the age of bones
Show steps
Estimating the age of bones is a fundamental technique in forensic anthropology and is essential for identification and age-at-death determination.
Browse courses on
Human Osteology
Show steps
-
Gather a set of known-age bones
-
Examine the bones and identify characteristics that change with age
-
Develop a system for estimating age based on these characteristics
-
Test your system on a set of unknown-age bones
Analyze human remains
Show steps
Develop your skills in analyzing human remains by practicing on real or simulated specimens.
Browse courses on
Human Osteology
Show steps
-
Obtain access to human remains
-
Examine and document the remains
-
Interpret your findings
Practice identifying bones from images
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of human osteology through repetitive practice, which will enable you to confidently identify bones later in the course
Browse courses on
Human Osteology
Show steps
-
Find a set of online or printed images of human bones
-
Label the bones on the images using the anatomical terms you have learned
-
Check your answers against a key or consult with an expert
Attend a forensic anthropology conference
Show steps
Learn from experts and network with professionals in the field by attending a forensic anthropology conference.
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
-
Identify relevant conferences
-
Register for a conference
-
Attend sessions and participate in discussions
Write a case report
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of forensic anthropology by writing a case report on a real or hypothetical case.
Show steps
-
Select a case
-
Research the case
-
Write a report
Create a case report on a forensic anthropology case
Show steps
Synthesize your knowledge and skills by creating a comprehensive case report, allowing you to experience the practical application of forensic anthropology
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
-
Select a real-world forensic anthropology case that interests you
-
Gather information about the case from credible sources, such as journal articles and news reports
-
Analyze the case using the principles and techniques of forensic anthropology
-
Write a report detailing your analysis, findings, and conclusions
-
Share your report with an expert or peer for feedback
Participate in a forensic anthropology competition
Show steps
Challenge yourself and test your skills by participating in a forensic anthropology competition, gaining valuable experience and feedback from experts
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
-
Identify a forensic anthropology competition that aligns with your interests and skillset
-
Read the competition guidelines and requirements carefully
-
Form a team or work independently on the project
Contribute to an open-source forensic anthropology project
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and make a valuable contribution by participating in an open-source forensic anthropology project
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source forensic anthropology project that aligns with your skills and interests
-
Read the project documentation and familiarize yourself with the codebase
-
Start contributing to the project by fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation
Review basic human biology and anatomy
Show steps
Strengthen your foundational understanding of human biology and anatomy, which are essential for comprehending forensic anthropology
Browse courses on
Human Biology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbooks from previous human biology and anatomy courses
- Take an online quiz or practice exam to test your knowledge
- Identify areas where you need additional review and focus on those topics
Watch documentaries on forensic anthropology
Show steps
Gain insights into the field of forensic anthropology by watching documentaries.
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant documentaries
- Watch and take notes on documentaries
Read anthropology journal articles
Show steps
Reinforce your knowledge of basic anthropological concepts and theories by reading journal articles.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant journals
- Browse abstracts and choose articles
- Read and take notes on articles
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Review Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
Bring yourself up to speed with an anthropological approach to forensic science by reading a book written by experts in the field of forensic anthropology
View
Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow the textbook Introduction to Forensic Anthropology by Steven N. Byers and Donald Ubelaker
- Read the first three chapters by the end of the first week of class
- Read the next four chapters by the end of the second week of class
Discuss case studies with classmates
Show steps
Gain different perspectives and deepen your understanding by discussing case studies with classmates.
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a case study
- Prepare for discussion
- Participate in discussion
Complete a tutorial on human osteology
Show steps
Build a solid foundation in human osteology through an in-depth tutorial, which you'll need to understand as you analyze and identify human remains
Browse courses on
Human Osteology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a reputable and comprehensive tutorial on human osteology
- Set aside two hours to work through the tutorial in its entirety
- Take notes and highlight important concepts
- Review your notes and practice identifying bones using images or a physical model
Participate in a study group with classmates
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention by engaging with classmates, discussing course material, and sharing perspectives
Browse courses on
Collaborative Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a study group with 2-4 classmates who are also taking the course
- Set regular meeting times and stick to them
- Take turns leading discussions on different topics from the course
Practice estimating the age of bones
Show steps
Estimating the age of bones is a fundamental technique in forensic anthropology and is essential for identification and age-at-death determination.
Browse courses on
Human Osteology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather a set of known-age bones
- Examine the bones and identify characteristics that change with age
- Develop a system for estimating age based on these characteristics
- Test your system on a set of unknown-age bones
Analyze human remains
Show steps
Develop your skills in analyzing human remains by practicing on real or simulated specimens.
Browse courses on
Human Osteology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain access to human remains
- Examine and document the remains
- Interpret your findings
Practice identifying bones from images
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of human osteology through repetitive practice, which will enable you to confidently identify bones later in the course
Browse courses on
Human Osteology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a set of online or printed images of human bones
- Label the bones on the images using the anatomical terms you have learned
- Check your answers against a key or consult with an expert
Attend a forensic anthropology conference
Show steps
Learn from experts and network with professionals in the field by attending a forensic anthropology conference.
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant conferences
- Register for a conference
- Attend sessions and participate in discussions
Write a case report
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of forensic anthropology by writing a case report on a real or hypothetical case.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a case
- Research the case
- Write a report
Create a case report on a forensic anthropology case
Show steps
Synthesize your knowledge and skills by creating a comprehensive case report, allowing you to experience the practical application of forensic anthropology
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a real-world forensic anthropology case that interests you
- Gather information about the case from credible sources, such as journal articles and news reports
- Analyze the case using the principles and techniques of forensic anthropology
- Write a report detailing your analysis, findings, and conclusions
- Share your report with an expert or peer for feedback
Participate in a forensic anthropology competition
Show steps
Challenge yourself and test your skills by participating in a forensic anthropology competition, gaining valuable experience and feedback from experts
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a forensic anthropology competition that aligns with your interests and skillset
- Read the competition guidelines and requirements carefully
- Form a team or work independently on the project
Contribute to an open-source forensic anthropology project
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and make a valuable contribution by participating in an open-source forensic anthropology project
Browse courses on
Forensic Anthropology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source forensic anthropology project that aligns with your skills and interests
- Read the project documentation and familiarize yourself with the codebase
- Start contributing to the project by fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation
Career center
Learners who complete REAL BONES: Adventures in Forensic Anthropology will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic Anthropologists analyze human remains to help identify victims of crime or disaster. This course provides a solid foundation in human osteology, the recovery of bodies, and the analysis of life history, all of which are essential skills for Forensic Anthropologists. The course also covers the limitations of forensic anthropology and the application of DNA recovery to skeletal/mummified materials, which are important considerations for professionals in this field.
Physical Anthropologist
Physical Anthropologist
Physical Anthropologists study the biological and evolutionary aspects of humans and other primates. This course provides a foundation in human osteology and the analysis of life history, which are important areas of study for Physical Anthropologists. The course also covers the application of DNA recovery to skeletal/mummified materials, which is a growing area of research in Physical Anthropology.
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Archaeologists study past human societies through the excavation and analysis of material remains. This course provides a foundation in the analysis of human remains, which is an important aspect of archaeological research. The course also covers the application of DNA recovery to skeletal/mummified materials, which is a growing area of research in Archaeology.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for the care and management of museum collections. This course provides a foundation in the analysis of human remains, which is important for curators who work with collections of human remains. The course also covers the limitations of forensic anthropology, which is important for curators who need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of analysis.
Forensic Scientist
Forensic Scientist
Forensic Scientists analyze evidence to help solve crimes. This course provides a foundation in the analysis of human remains, which is an important aspect of forensic science. The course also covers the limitations of forensic anthropology and the application of DNA recovery to skeletal/mummified materials, which are important considerations for professionals in this field.
Medical Examiner
Medical Examiner
Medical Examiners investigate deaths to determine the cause and manner of death. This course provides a foundation in the analysis of human remains, which is an important aspect of medical examiner work. The course also covers the limitations of forensic anthropology, which is important for medical examiners who need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of analysis.
Crime Scene Investigator
Crime Scene Investigator
Crime Scene Investigators collect and analyze evidence at crime scenes. This course provides a foundation in the recovery of bodies and the analysis of human remains, which are important aspects of crime scene investigation. The course also covers the limitations of forensic anthropology, which is important for crime scene investigators who need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of analysis.
Historian
Historian
Historians study the past through the analysis of written and physical evidence. This course provides a foundation in the analysis of human remains, which can be an important source of historical information. The course also covers the limitations of forensic anthropology, which is important for historians who need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of analysis.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study human society and behavior. This course provides a foundation in the analysis of human remains, which can be an important source of sociological information. The course also covers the limitations of forensic anthropology, which is important for sociologists who need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of analysis.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study humans and their cultures. This course provides a foundation in the analysis of human remains, which can be an important source of anthropological information. The course also covers the limitations of forensic anthropology, which is important for anthropologists who need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of analysis.
Biologist
Biologist
Biologists study living organisms. This course provides a foundation in the analysis of human remains, which can be an important source of biological information. The course also covers the limitations of forensic anthropology, which is important for biologists who need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of analysis.
Chemist
Chemist
Chemists study the composition and properties of matter. This course provides a foundation in the analysis of human remains, which can be an important source of chemical information. The course also covers the limitations of forensic anthropology, which is important for chemists who need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of analysis.
Geologist
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth and its history. This course provides a foundation in the analysis of human remains, which can be an important source of geological information. The course also covers the limitations of forensic anthropology, which is important for geologists who need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of analysis.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologists study the human mind and behavior. This course may provide some insights into the analysis of human remains, which can be an important source of psychological information. However, the course does not cover the limitations of forensic anthropology, which is important for psychologists who need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of analysis.
Theologian
Theologian
Theologians study religion and spirituality. This course may provide some insights into the analysis of human remains, which can be an important source of religious or spiritual information. However, the course does not cover the limitations of forensic anthropology, which is important for theologians who need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of analysis.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/po1uax/real
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
REAL BONES: Adventures in Forensic Anthropology.
This comprehensive textbook covers the fundamental aspects of forensic anthropology, including osteology, forensic taphonomy, and trauma analysis. It provides a solid foundation for students and professionals alike.
This reference book delves into the biological anthropology of the human skeleton, providing detailed anatomical descriptions and insights into skeletal variation. It serves as a valuable resource for students and professionals in forensic anthropology.
Comprehensive guide to human anatomy, and valuable resource for forensic anthropologists who need to be able to identify and interpret human remains.
Examines the legal and ethical frameworks surrounding forensic anthropology. It explores the role of anthropologists in legal proceedings, providing valuable insights for practitioners navigating the legal system.
Save
Provides an overview of the processes that occur after death, and how these processes can be used to interpret human remains.
Save
Laboratory and field manual for the study of human osteology.
Provides an overview of the methods used to analyze biological distance, and how these methods can be used in forensic and biomedical applications.
Provides an overview of the methods used in forensic DNA analysis.
Save
Provides an overview of the principles and practice of forensic odontology.
Save
Provides an overview of the methods and techniques used in forensic archaeology.
Provides an overview of forensic anthropology case studies.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/po1uax/real
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Time
28 hours
Via
Coursera
Institution
Princeton University
Instructor
Janet Monge
Good to know
Exposes learners to the identification of social attributes from human remains in forensic anthropology
Involves topics highly relevant to forensic science
Explores techniques that are applicable to both biological and social anthropology
May require prerequisite knowledge in forensic anthropology or related fields
Involves case studies to illustrate the practical application of forensic anthropology
Covers a wide range of topics within forensic anthropology
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