ARC 312 – FORENSIC GEO-ARCHEOLOGY: MATERIALS AND METHODS

Geo-archeology is the use of geoscience methodology to determine past events. Using these techniques in a legal context constitutes forensic geo-archeology. This course introduces students to this specialization. The course will cover the methodology of investigating burials, and analyzing geo-scientific data. Procedural issues such as interaction with other forensics experts and the police and the impact of popular television shows on public perception will also be covered. Much of the course will be in the form of case studies of both solved and unsolved crimes. We will investigate cases from the facts that make up each side to the potential evidence useful to expose culprits. This course will be full of discussions about the cases and creative approaches to reaching the solutions. The approach is hands-on so students will have a chance to participate in the process, not simply study it.

Pre-requisites: An introductory course in archeological methodology and a level 200 archeology course or permission of the instructor.