ANT 211
Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology
with Dr. Albert
Syllabus
Contact Information
This class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:45 AM in Social and Behavioral Sciences (SB or SBS) 212.
Dr. Albert's office is in SB (or SBS) 102.
e-mail: albertm; office hours are announced
weekly. Please email to set up an appointment.
Scroll down to review each of the following, or click the links below:
This is a 3 credit introductory lecture course covering the role of the physical (biological) anthropologist in the forensic sciences. By the end of this semester, you will gain a general, introductory level understanding of:
preliminary human osteology
procedures for the search and recovery of human remains
methods of human identification from the skeleton: sex, age, stature, ancestry, and trauma analyses
time since death estimation, identification through facial features
forensic anthropology casework, historic cases, and human rights cases
It should be noted that this course will not qualify you to perform the duties of the forensic anthropologist. However, you will hopefully develop an appreciation for, and familiarity with, the field of forensic anthropology, which could prepare you for graduate study or for future work in association with forensic science specialists.
Required:
Your course grade comprises 4 objective (multiple choice) tests worth 100 points each (50 questions, 2 points per question). Review guidelines will be posted online before each test, via a link from the ANT 211 homepage under announcements; we will also review in class before each test. There are NO MAKE-UPS for missed tests. Tests are non-cumulative. If you have a medical/family emergency, email, text, or phone with a short message before the test.
Tests are graded on a curve if the highest grade is below the lowest A, or 94. The number of curved points is determined by how many points are needed to reach a 94. For example, if the highest grade is a 92, there will be a 2 point curve--2 points will be added to everyone's raw test score. If the highest grade is a 94 or higher, no points will be added. However, each test includes two questions for extra credit (totaling 4 bonus points). Thus, there is a total of 8 extra credit opportunities worth 16 test points. Please know that you can always meet with your professor for extra assistance, study tips, and motivation.
Your course grade is determined by your four test scores, which will include any curve points and or bonus points earned on tests.
| Item | Points | % Course Grade | Course Grade Points |
| Test 1 | 100 | 15% | 15 (100 * .15 = 15) |
| Test 2 | 100 | 20% | 20 (100 .20 = 20) |
| Test 3 | 100 | 30% | 30 (100* .30 = 30) |
| Test 4 | 100 | 35% | 35 (100 * .35 = 35) |
| Total: | 400 | 100 | 100 |
To figure your grade, multiply your points for each test by the percentage it's worth to get the course grade points. Add up your course grade points and divide by the total possible course grade points (100).
Grading scale:
| A | 94-100 | B | 84-86 | C | 74-76 | D | 64-66 |
| A- | 90-93 | B- | 80-83 | C- | 70-73 | D- | 60-63 |
| B+ | 87-89 | C+ | 77-79 | D+ | 67-69 | F | 59 & below |
Attendance will be taken each day class meets.
There is no need to inform me of your absences, or the reason for them because there is no point or grade penalty for not attending class. If you are hospitalized or have some highly unusual circumstance this semester, please see me for extra help with course material and preparation for exams.
If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. Feel free to contact another student in the class for notes or information on what was covered. Please do not ask me for lecture notes or to view videos or multimedia presentations shown in class. If you have specific questions or concerns about the course, you are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with me.
A good record of attendance may possibly help bump you up a grade (+/-) if you are borderline at the end of the semester. Attendance points are essentially "effort" points.
The privilege of attending lectures and presentations, and participating through questions and comments, is yours to accept or reject; you are not penalized in any way for not attending class. No points are subtracted for missing class.
At the end of the semester, the number of attendance sheets collected determines the maximum amount of attendance days used to help boost borderline grades. If for some reason class is cancelled, no attendance is taken; the percentage of days missed to days classes are held is what ultimately determines the "effort" points should you need them to boost your grade. Supposing that we'll meet 28 days (excludes holidays and test days), here's the point breakdown:
0-2absences: 2 absences is attending 26/28 days, or 26 divided by 28, which is .92 (A-range, 90's). Thus, you can miss up to two class days and get the full attendance boost of 0. 5 points.
3-5 absences: 5 absences is attending 23/28 days, or 23 divided by 28, which is .82 (B-range, 80's). If you miss 3-5 days, you can receive 0.3 points.
Example of how attendance can boost your grade:
Let's say someone has a 79.00 (C+)
and 80.00 (B-) is the more desirable grade, then this person would need 0
to 2 absences to earn the 0.5 points to reach 79.5 which can be rounded up
to 80.00 (B+) grade.
If this person missed 3 or more classes, the
grade would remain a C+ (3 absences: 79.00 + 0.3 = 79.3).
See grading scale above
Classroom Courtesy
You are expected to arrive on time each day class meets, to refrain from excessive and or loud talking during lectures and presentations, and to mute all cell phones and laptops and or other electronic devices. Please use electronics/technology wisely so as not to disturb others in class. Cooperating with these and other obvious norms of classroom courtesy contributes to a nice learning environment for everyone. Please do not put yourself in a situation in which you may be asked to leave class.
Academic Honor Code
Seahawk Respect Compact
If you have a learning disability, or believe you may have a learning disability, you are encouraged to contact Disability Services (962-3746) in DePaolo Hall (formerly Westside Hall). If alternate testing accommodations are desired, the appropriate paperwork must be completed within the first two weeks of classes so that your professors can be notified in a timely manner.
For more information on this topic, please refer to the UNCW Code of Student Life, Disability Accommodations.