This module will begin by introducing students to the role of the forensic archaeologist at crime scenes and during mass disaster investigations. Thereafter, key methods used by forensic archaeologists during search and recovery of clandestine burials will be examined. Students are required to critically evaluate these methods, thinking specifically about their value, capabilities and limitations. The legal frameworks and Standards that forensic archaeologists must adhere to will be addressed along with the ethical considerations that they may face during their work. Students are required to critically evaluate these subjects and actively engage in group discussions in both lectures and seminars. Through a variety of case studies and practical sessions, students will then develop and apply their knowledge of search and recovery techniques. By the end of the module, students should have a broad awareness of the different circumstances that forensic archaeologists may work and the various evidence types they may be required to recover.

Students will be required to complete two pieces of summative assessment.

1. A formal oral presentation of 15 minutes on the role of the forensic archaeologist within the Criminal Justice System (in the UK or abroad). Students must critically evaluate highlight any ethical issues associated with their chosen topic. Support will be offered to students in the preparation of this assessment in the form of one-to-one and group tutorials. This assessment is worth 30% of the module grade. The assessment covers the following learning outcomes: knowledge, understanding, learning, enquiry, analysis and communication. This assessment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

2. A 4500 word report will comprise 70% of the module grade.

This assessment relates to an identified case study site, for which students will:
• Reflect critically on the methodological issues of forensic archaeological investigation (including issues relating to legal and administrative framework, and ethical considerations) relating to the case study site.
• Design a survey and/or excavation strategy which strikes a balance between carrying out successful archaeological work and accounting for these methodological issues.

The assessment addresses learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4; thus it provides students with the following skills: knowledge, understanding, learning, enquiry, problem-solving, analysis and communication.

The module will be delivered over 12 weeks through weekly two-hour lectures and practical sessions that include on-campus tuition and practice of archaeological methods, with particular relation to mock crime scene scenarios. Additional weekly one hour seminars will involve discussions centring on readings assigned to students the previous week, will allow consolidation and reflection upon the taught material and the opportunity for discussion and critical evaluation. There will also be visits to sites of forensic archaeological interest at which students will be able to learn from practitioners in the field and enhance their own skills.
Students will follow a 12 week guided study programme and access support material via Blackboard. Students will also be required to find additional resources and readings during their independent study time. Formative assessment will be carried out in lectures, practical sessions and seminars in the form of practical tasks, quizzes and debates.

Dupras, T. L., Schultz, J. J., Wheeler, S. M., and Williams, L. J. 2011. Forensic recovery of human remains: Archaeological approaches. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Groen, W. J. M., Márquez-Grant, M. and Janaway, R. 2015. Forensic Archaeology: A Global Perspective. London: John Wiley and Sons.
Haglund, W. D. and Sorg, M. H. (eds.) 2010. Advances in forensic taphonomy: method, theory, and archaeological perspectives. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Hunter, J., Simpson, B. and Sturdy Colls, C. 2013. Forensic Approaches to Buried Remains. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Access to appropriate survey and excavation equipment

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the role of the forensic archaeologist at UK crime scenes and during international mass death investigations, in particular how they fit into the wider network of practitioners within the Criminal Justice System. (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Application and Communication)
2. Critically evaluate and display advanced knowledge of the methods employed in forensic archaeological investigations, especially intelligence gathering, remote sensing, geophysics and excavation. (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis and Communication)
3. Understand and critically evaluate the legal and ethical issues related to forensic archaeological investigations. (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving, Enquiry and Analysis)
4. Apply advanced knowledge and understanding of archaeological methods to a range of practical scenarios. (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Application and Problem Solving)