Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module ARCH51730: PALAEOPATHOLOGY: THEORY AND METHOD

Department: Archaeology

ARCH51730: PALAEOPATHOLOGY: THEORY AND METHOD

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2019/20
Tied to F4K809

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • For students to acquire an understanding of what paleopathology is in the context of the rest of archaeological study and to acquire skills in identifying paleaopathological specimens.

Content

  • The module will cover definitions of paleopathology, history of study and how it has developed, the biocultural versus case study approach, the European versus North American differences, the importance of a population-based approach, the value of paleaopathology in the reconstruction of past human behaviour, the major categories of disease, plus current issues in paleopathology and examples of work in the field for specific areas will put the material in context.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Identification of pathological conditions and skeletal trauma.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Macroscopic and radiographic identification of pathological changes including trauma.
Key Skills:
  • Recording of pathological conditions and trauma.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 Weekly 2 hours 20
Practicals 10 Weekly 2 hours 20
Preparation & Reading 260
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 2,500 100%
Component: Practical Test Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Practical Test 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

The preparation achieved in this module RSAS is considered to be sufficient formative preparation for the summative assignment in the module.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University