Archaeology and Anthropology of Death & Burial

 

Archaeology and Anthropology of Death & Burial can be studied as a stand-alone course and it is an optional course for the Certificate of Higher Education in Genealogical Studies at Aberystwyth University.

Key Facts

 

Language: English

Duration: 10 Weeks

Number of Credits: 10

Tutor: Dr Scott Chaussée

Learning Method: Online

Level: This module is at CQFW Level 4

Module Code: XE19310

Fee: £140.00 -  Fee Waiver Scheme available

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Overview

Much archaeological and anthropological evidence is derived from mortuary contexts.  This course will examine aspects of burial and commemorative practice from prehistory to the present day, in addition to addressing general methodological and theoretical questions about the archaeology and anthropology of death, and as such will serve as an interesting introduction to the disciplines of archaeology and anthropology.

Programme

  1. An Introduction to Archaeology and Anthropology and Their Respective Approaches to Death, Burial and Commemoration.
  2. Ethnicity and DNA
  3. Demography, Pathology and Occupational Morphologies
  4. Ethics of Burial Archaeology
  5. Field Trip Plus Graveyard and Church Burial (1 hr lecture, 5 hrs in field)
  6. Burial in the Modern West
  7. Ritual, Religion and the Afterlife
  8. Bereavement and Memory 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

  1. Describe basic archaeological and anthropological tenets.
  2. Identify key issues in death and burial.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding the different techniques used in anthropological fieldwork.
  4. Explain basic ethical debates concerning death and burial.

Assessments

  1. Project Proposal (20%)
  2. Written Project 0 1500 words (60%)
  3. Contribution to Class Debate (20%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.