Forensic Anthropology Course Online

online Forensic Anthropology course at Canyon College

COURSE SYLLABUS: Forensic Anthropology

Course Title:	CJ433 - Forensic Anthropology
Department:	Criminal Justice
Instructor:	James Johnson, MD E-Mail - Vita
Prerequisites:	None
Lab Fees:	$50.00
Hours/Credits:	3 semester hours (45 contact hours)

INSTRUCTOR COMMUNICATION:

In all communication, please include as a minimum your

first and last name
class name or number (e.g. CJ433)

I am available to you on an ongoing basis throughout your time spent in this course. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions, concerns, issues, etc. I am here to assist you and mentor you to achieve your goals and experience success in this class.

E-Mail: jjohnson@canyoncollege.edu
Phone: 615-523-2136
Fax: 615-523-2136

I generally respond to requests within 1-3 business days. E-mail is the fastest and preferred method to contact me.

Again, do not hesitate to contact me. I am here for you and look forward to working with you.

Administrative Offices of Canyon College
Email: info@canyoncollege.edu
Phone: (208) 455-0010
Fax: (208) 455-0040
Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (MST)
Admissions Policies website: www.canyoncollege.edu/admissions.htm

COURSE OVERVIEW:

I am happy to provide you with information and instructions regarding this online undergraduate Forensic Anthropology course. This may include skull reconstruction and image (or photograph) enhancement. As you know, you have a time limit to complete this online class. This time limit is 8 weeks at Canyon College, School of Criminal Justice & Criminology. This course is part of the Police Forensics emphasis, which is part of the degree Bachelor of Science in Applied Police Science. You may study at your own pace, and can progress through this course as quickly as you desire. CJ433 is an exciting class and I am sure you will learn some of the most interesting principles related to Criminal Anthropology. This is a core course that focuses on a general understanding of Forensic Anthropology. After successful completion of the course, you will have a much greater understanding of Criminal Anthropology, as well as some of the most current and pressing issues facing the officer of the law and forensic anthropologist.

It is formatted to be self-directed, along with one-on-one mentoring by your faculty. You and I (as your instructor) communicate throughout your time spent in this important study. Communication can be by e-mail and fax.

You must be prepared to operationalize the learned concepts into the reality of today's law enforcement environment. The readings in the text, the analysis of case studies, your lab work, our discussions, and your weekly assignments will assist in meeting this broad-based goal.

You will find the textbook for this course to be of the best available for the study of Forensic Anthropology. It is packed with information.

Some of the topics/ subjects covered include:

(1) Evidence of trauma

(2) Reconstructing identity

(3) Human skeleton

Students are encouraged to submit questions, discuss issues, and discuss problems related to Police Forensics. There may be weekly assignments. Written responses are to be turned into the professor.

LAB:

Regarding our established online lab work, please follow the directions in your student email box. Be prepared to receive instruction one to three times per week. Your respective lab work must be completed prior to taking each exam in this course.

Age progression and facial reconstruction training may be part of the lab. There must be at least 20 students enrolled. Potential students may also indicate their desire for forensic imaging training by emailing the instructor at jjohnson@canyoncollege.edu

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Be able to explain principles highlighted in the figures and tables of our textbook. Do the same for the boldface and italic type. Memorization is not necessary.

REQUIRED TEXT: - Online Bookstore

Flesh and Bone, An Introduction to Forensic Anthropology, by Myriam Nafte. Carolina Academic Press, 2000.
ISBN: 0890896380

Please order your book as soon as possible.

EXAMINATIONS:

There are two examinations for this course. There is a midterm examination and a final examination.

The examinations are of the subjective and objective type. The examinations are "open" book. They thoroughly test knowledge in key areas of course content. While open book, they require thought and knowledge of the related content for successful completion.

Both examinations are taken "online." The examinations are accessed through the Canyon College website. When you are ready to take the examinations, please e-mail me (at least 3 business days in advance) directly and request authorization to take your exam. I will in turn notify you that you may have exam access.

When you are ready to take the examination, access the proper web site, and take the examination. Access each exam only once. The examinations are scored after completion.

Please plan to take the midterm exam at the end of the 4th week of the course. The final examination must be taken by the end of the 8th week of the class.

GRADING:

You will receive a letter grade, based on the scores indicated below. The grading scale is as follows:

90% - 100%	= A
80% - 89%	= B
70% - 79%	= C
60% - 69%	= D
Below 60%	= F

Midterm grade = Midterm exam
Final grade = average of Midterm exam and Final exam

You will receive an email for me and from the Administration regarding both grades.

Required class assignments are graded as Pass or Fail. Grading of lab assignments is to be determined.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Order your textbook(s) prior to enrolling in this class. If you need assistance, click on the Bookstore link or contact me.
During the first week of the course, please e-mail your instructor and provide some basic information about yourself, including:
your primary contact e-mail address
your goals for this course
your overall goals for a career in Criminal Justice and Criminology
your past and current work experiences
your past and current educational experiences
any experiences you have had in Criminal Justice and Criminology
During the first week, start your Assignments.
During the first half of this course:
Read "Flesh and Bone, An Introduction to Forensic Anthropology," chapters 1 thru 4.
When ready, request to take the Midterm exam.
When instructed, proceed to take the Midterm exam.
During the second half of this course:
Read "Flesh and Bone, An Introduction to Forensic Anthropology," the chapters 5 thru 8.
When ready, request to take the Final exam.
When instructed, proceed to take the Final exam.

There may be other assignments for reading, analysis, and lab throughout the class time.

Contact your instructor any time you would like to discuss the readings, have questions, require clarifications or further explanations, etc.

Share with your instructor current event issues related to the Forensic Police Officer (especially biomedical visualization and medical illustration) that you identify in the news media, etc. In turn, your instructor may share such information with you for discussion and analysis.

Have fun! Be positive! Achieve your goals!

December 7, 2005 edition