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New Minor:
P00923
| Program Title: Forensic Anthropology |
Catalog Description of Minor:
Forensic anthropology is the application of physical anthropology to the legal process. The identification of skeletal, decomposed, or otherwise unidentified human remains is important for legal and humanitarian reasons. Forensic anthropologists apply standard scientific techniques developed in physical anthropology to identify human remains, and to assist in the detection of crime. In addition to assisting in locating and recovering suspicious remains, forensic anthropologists work to suggest the age, sex, ancestry, stature, and unique features of a decedent from the skeleton.The Forensic Anthropology minor consists of 28-hours of focused coursework beyond the introductory prerequisite coursework.
Justification for adding the minor
Western Oregon University will be the first in Oregon to officially offer a minor devoted specifically to forensic anthropology. As forensic anthropology is burgeoning so is student awareness of the discipline and the minor serves to satisfy this interest. Thus the minor will attract new students to the university as well as complement any existing major. Majors in criminal justice and anthropology will find the greatest benefit from the coursework and experience this minor offers and the courses that make up the minor will enhance both departments. The minor will accommodate those with an interest in law enforcement, students who intend to work as crime scene technicians, and students who are planning to pursue post-graduate education in legal or forensic science fields. The minor will also prepare students for graduate work specifically in forensic anthropology or another specialization in bioanthropology.
Forensic anthropology students will gain firsthand experience in the basics of forensic anthropology and put that knowledge to work with actual human remains.
The focus will be the study of the discovery, preservation, and interpretation of material evidence, emphasizing the significance of context. The application of these findings as evidence in legal cases is a primary goal. The required courses build on the traditional skills and knowledge of anthropology and criminal justice. Students are also provided with a range of relevant options in criminal justice and anthropology to generate greater intellectual and applied breadth and also to situate forensic anthropology in a broader disciplinary context. All of the courses which, the minor comprises, have already been designed and are currently being taught or will soon be developed.
Approval Queue
| Step |
Approver |
Decision |
Timestamp |
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1 - Department |
Robin Smith |
Approved | December 14 2011 |
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2 - Division |
John Rector |
Approved | December 15 2011 |
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3 - Division Curriculum |
Mark Henkels |
Approved | December 15 2011 |
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4 - Library Dean |
Allen McKiel |
Approved | December 19 2011 |
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5 - Curriculum Committee |
Thaddeus Shannon |
Approved | February 03 2012 |
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6 - Faculty Senate |
Gavin Keulks |
Approved | February 28 2012 |
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7 - Dean |
Stephen Scheck |
Approved | February 29 2012 |
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8 - Provost |
Kent Neely |
Approved | March 01 2012 |
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9 - President |
Dianna Nickelson |
Approved | March 02 2012 |
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Attached Files:
