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Graduate Course Proposal Form Submission Detail - ANG6771
Tracking Number - 5063

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Current Status: Approved by SCNS - 2015-02-01
Campus: Tampa
Submission Type: New
Course Change Information (for course changes only):
Comments: for CSI Certificate - requird. GC apprd. Cleared USF Sys Conc 12/23; to SCNS 1/6/15. Nmbr 6517 apprd as 6771. Effective 2/1/15

Detail Information

  1. Date & Time Submitted: 2014-09-16
  2. Department: Anthropology
  3. College: AS
  4. Budget Account Number: N/A
  5. Contact Person: Erin Kimmerle
  6. Phone: 8139745139
  7. Email: kimmerle@usf.edu
  8. Prefix: ANG
  9. Number: 6771
  10. Full Title: The Science of Missing and Unidentified Persons
  11. Credit Hours: 3
  12. Section Type: O - Other
  13. Is the course title variable?: N
  14. Is a permit required for registration?: N
  15. Are the credit hours variable?: N
  16. Is this course repeatable?: N
  17. If repeatable, how many times?: 0
  18. Abbreviated Title (30 characters maximum): Missing and UID Persons
  19. Course Online?: O - Online (100% online)
  20. Percentage Online: 0
  21. Grading Option: R - Regular
  22. Prerequisites: N/A
  23. Corequisites: N/A
  24. Course Description: Surveys scientific methods for the investigation of missing, endangered, and unidentified persons. Topics include forensic anthropology, archaeology, odontology, forensic pathology, crime scene, victimology, homicide, and facial approximatio

  25. Please briefly explain why it is necessary and/or desirable to add this course: Needed for new program/concentration/certificate
  26. What is the need or demand for this course? (Indicate if this course is part of a required sequence in the major.) What other programs would this course service? This course is part of a new USF graduate certificate program, Crime Scene Investigations for Violation Crimes. The program is designed for advanced professional and graduate student development in the areas of crime scene reconstructions, investigations, and applied science methods and tools for violent crimes including human trafficking, criminal homicide and cold case investigations, exploited children, and missing and unidentified persons.

    The new tools and technological advancements through modern forensic science are changing investigations in practice. There is a strong need for in-depth focused programs that offer professional development and advanced technical training for a wide range of jobs within the medico-legal and security sectors. Moreover, many agencies are adopting a promotional model based on advanced training and education and therefore there is an increased need for leadership and command training in these areas. The topics in the certificate draw on the strengths of our existing program and the technical training and services offered through the USF Forensics Anthropology Laboratory and the USF forensics network.

  27. Has this course been offered as Selected Topics/Experimental Topics course? If yes, how many times? No
  28. What qualifications for training and/or experience are necessary to teach this course? (List minimum qualifications for the instructor.) A qualified instructor should have earned a doctorate or terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline, which for the forensic sciences is a M.A.; M.Sc.; J.D.; M.Pharm.; or M.B.A. Additionally, the ideal candidate will also have at least 5 years of experience with criminal investigations or violent crimes.
  29. Objectives: Provides students an applied perspective of the work conducted by forensic science professionals in the fields of forensic archeology, anthropology, forensic pathology, forensic odontology and related disciplines. This course explores the problem of unidentified and missing persons, methods utilized by forensic scientists, new advancements in the field, as well as multiple examples of human identification work conducted throughout the world.
  30. Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will:

    1. Be knowledgeable of the science of forensic anthropology and the field’s contributions to casework.

    2. Understand the methods and new technologies utilized by forensic anthropologists.

    3. Be able to discuss and critique some of the current methods and its helpfulness to identifying unidentified individuals.

    4. Be aware of international issues and cases of human identification outside of their jurisdiction

  31. Major Topics: * The Problem of Missing and Unidentified Persons

    * Methods of Forensic Anthropology

    * Surgery and Medical Hardware as Evidence

    * Isotope Analysis and Georeferencing

    * Forensic Facial Approximations and Identification

    * Methods for Positive Identification

    * NamUs and Other Databases

    * Mass Disasters

    * Human Rights and Genocide

  32. Textbooks: Schumitt A, Cunha E, Pinherio J. (2006) Forensic Anthropology and Medicine: Complementary Sciences from Recovery to Cause of Death. Humana Pr Inc.
  33. Course Readings, Online Resources, and Other Purchases: Ritter N. (2007). National Institute of Justice Journal. Issue No. 256.

    Ritter N. (2007) Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains: The Nation’s Silent Mass Disaster. National Institute of Justice Journal 256. Pp. 2-7.

    Blau S, Hill A, Briggs CA, Cordner SM. (2006) Missing Persons – Missing Data: The need to collect antemortem dental records of missing persons. Journal of Forensic Sciences 51(2):386-389.

    Kimmerle EH, Falsetti T, Ross AH. (2009) Immigrants, Undocumented Workers, Runaways, Transients and the Homeless: Towards Contextual Identification among Unidentified Decedents. Forensic Science Policy and Management: An International Journal 1(4):178-186.

    Cattaneo, C. (2007) Forensic anthropology: developments of a classical discipline in the new millennium. Forensic Science International 165:185-193.

    Sauer NJ. (1992) Forensic Anthropology and the Concept of Race: If races don’t exist, why are forensic anthropologists so good at identifying them? Social Science Medicine 34(2):107-111.

    Simpson EK, James RA, Eitzen DA, Byard RW. (2007) Role of Orthopedic Implants and Bone Morphology in the Identification of Human Remains. Journal of Forensic Sciences 52(2):442-448.

    Scott AL, Congram D, Sweet D, Fonseca S, Skinner M. (2010) Anthropological and Radiographic Comparison of Antemortem Surgical Records for Identification of Skeletal Remains. Journal of Forensic Sciences 55(1):241-244.

    Dean DE, Tatarek NE, Rich J, Brogdon BG, Powers RH. (2005) Human identification from the ankle with pre- and postsurgical radiographs. Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine 12:5-9.

    Aggarwal J, Habicht-Mauche J, Juarez C. (2008) Application of heavy stable isotopes in forensic isotope geochemistry: A review. Applied Geochemistry 23:2658-2666.

    Meier-Augenstein W, Fraser I. (2008) Forensic isotope analysis leads to identification of a mutilated murder victim. Science and Justice 48:153-159.

    Ishii M, Yayama K, Motani H, Sakuma A, Yasjima D, Hayakawa M, Yamamoto S, Iwase H. (2011) Application of Superimposition-Based Personal identification Using Skull Computed Tomography Images. Journal of Forensic Sciences 56(4):960-966.

    Sakuma A, Ishii M, Yamamoto S, Shimofusa R, Kobayashi K, Montani H, Hayakawa M, Yajima D, Takeichi H, Iwase H. (2010) Application of Postmortem 3D-CT Facial Reconstruction for Personal Identification. Journal of Forensic Sciences 55(6):1624-1629.

    Baraybar JP. (2008) When DNA is not available, can we still identify people? Recommendations for Best Practice. Journal of Forensic Sciences 53(3):533-540.

    Pretty IA, Sweet D. (2001) A look at forensic dentistry – Part 1: The role of teeth in the determination of human identity. British Dental Journal 190(7):359-366.

    Budowle B, Beiber FR, Eisenberg AJ. (2005) Forensic aspects of mass disasters: Strategic considerations for DNA-based human identification. Legal Medicine 7:230-243.

    Steadman DW, Adams BJ, Konigsberg LW. (2006) Statistical Basis for Positive Identification in Forensic Anthropology. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 131:15-26.

    Birkby WH, Fenton TW, Anderson BE. (2008) Identifying Southwest Hispanics Using Nonmetric Traits and the Cultural Profile. Journal of Forensic Sciences 53(10:29-33.

    Pearsall B, Weiss D. (2009) Solving Missing Persons Cases. National Institute of Justice Journal. Issue No. 264. Pp. 4-8.

    de Silva LAF, Azevedo WVD, Majella G, Silva IF, Silva BF. (2009) Missing and unidentified persons database. Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series 2:255-257.

    Lorente JA, Entrala C, Alvarez JC, Lorente M, Arce B, Heinrich B, Carrasco F, Budowle B, Villanueva E. (2002) Social benefits of non-criminal genetic databases: missing persons and human remains identification. International Journal of Legal Medicine 116:187-190.

    Kimmerle EH. (2007) Current Trends in Forensic Investigations of Human Rights Abuse: Human identification of Mass Graves. In: Forensic Investigation and Management of Mass Disasters. Okoye MI and Wecht CH, editors. Lawyers and Judges Publishing Co., Inc. Tucson, AZ.

    Blau S, Briggs CA. (2011) The role of forensic anthropology in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI). Forensic Science International 205:29-35.

    Mundorff AZ. (2011) Integrating forensic anthropology into disaster victim identification. Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology DOI 10.1007/s12024-011-9275-0

    Ritter N. (2007). National Institute of Justice Journal. Issue No. 256.

    Ritter N. (2007) Identifying Remains: Lessons Learned from 9/11. National Institute of Justice Journal 256. Pp. 20-26.

    Brickley M, Ferllini R. (2007) Forensic anthropology: Case Studies from Europe. Exhumations in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Cases as mass graves, from recovery to identification. Ch. 2 Pp. 183-202

    Anderson BE and Parks BO. (2008) Symposium on Border Crossing Deaths: Introduction. Journal of Forensic Sciences 53(1): 6-7.

    Anderson BE. (2008) Identifying the Dead: Methods Utilized by the Pima County (Arizona) Office of the Medical Examiner for Undocumented Border Crossers: 2001-2006. Journal of Forensic Sciences 53(1):8-15.

    Fulginiti LC. (2008) Fatal Footsteps: Murder of Undocumented Border Crossers in Maricopa County, Arizona. Journal of Forensic Sciences 53(1):41-45.

    Hinkes MJ. (2008) Migrant Deaths along the California and Mexico Border: An Anthropological Perspective. Journal of Forensic Sciences 53(1):16-20.

    Juarez CA. (2008) Strontium and Geolocation, the Pathway to Identification for Deceased Undocumented Mexican Border-Crossers: A preliminary report. Journal of Forensic Sciences 53(1):46-49.

    Holland TD, Tersigni-Tarrant MA. (2013) Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command / Central Identification Laboratory (JPAC/CIL) History. In: Forensic Anthropology: An Introduction. Tersigni-Tarrant MA, Shirley NR, editors. CRC Press. Ch. 2 Pp. 17-24.

    Adams BJ, Byrd JE. (2006) Resolution of small-scale commingling: A case report from the Vietnam War. Forensic Science International 156:63-69.

    Erstfeld TE. (2002) Recovering and Accounting for Prisoners of War and Missing Personnel. Joint Force Quarterly. Pp. 82-88.

    Hawley TM. (2002) Bodies and Border Practices: The Search for American MIAs in Vietnam. Body and Society 8(3):49-69.

  34. Student Expectations/Requirements and Grading Policy: There will be a possible 500 points that you can earn during the course of the semester. Final grades are based on the following:

    5 Reading Synthesis -20 points each 100 points (20%)

    5 Discussion Board -10 points each 100 points (20%)

    Research Paper 100 points (20%)

    Midterm Exam 100 points (20%)

    Final Exam 100 points (20%)

    Course Total 500 points (100%)

  35. Assignments, Exams and Tests: Participation and Class Discussion:

    Five discussion questions will be distributed throughout the course. Discussion questions will require students to respond in at least 500 words, and also provide a follow up response to another student in at least 300 words. All students are expected to be critical consumers of information and add to the discussion boards. Viewpoints MUST be discussed in a professional, academic, and non-judgmental manner. Disrespectful students will be addressed accordingly.

    Reading Synthesis Papers

    A synthesis paper of the readings assigned for the week will be written and turned in as assigned. The paper should be 1-2 pages, single spaced, and should briefly summarize and relate all readings for the week. The papers should also provide some discussion of the topic and the student’s reaction to the information provided in the readings.

    Research Paper

    This is a graduate level course. Original research is very important. The topics are wide open, but students must get prior topic approval from the instructor prior to beginning research. More details about the format and specific expectations for the paper will be available online. Students should plan for a 10-15 page paper, with full citations, using journal articles and book chapters relevant to their topic. Depending on the topic, other research methods may be used such as case study reviews, interviews, or retrospective analyses.

    Midterm and Final Exam

    There will be two online exams, a midterm and a final. Each exam will consist of a combination of short answer and multiple choice questions, covering the required readings from the text and class material. Exams will not be cumulative. Exam grades will be posted on Canvas as soon as they are available. Students who would like to review exam grades will have the opportunity to do so by appointment. You will be able to take the exams from Monday at 5PM EST until Friday at 5PM EST, the week of exams. No exceptions.

    Remember, although you are completing exams electronically, these examinations are not designed to be open note or open book. You are expected to have full knowledge of the material as if you were sitting for a live exam. There will be a timer in place and you will have 60 minutes to complete the exam. Exams must be completed in one session; you must finish the exam 60 minutes from the time started.

    Being Locked Out of an Exam:

    Please make sure you use a reliable and stable connection, and you will not be able to back-track your questions. Failure to use a computer with a high-speed connection is not an excuse for failure to complete an exam on time. If you experience technical problems taking the test and experience a system “lock out” you must notify the instructor immediately and the exam will be reset. If you fail to contact the instructor within the Monday 5PM EST to Friday 5PM EST window, no resets for exams will be given. Taking the exam no later than the 12 hours from the due date will allow for ample time to contact the instructor if something happens.

    Please note, a significant portion of your grade is based on your performance on these timed, objective assessments. If you do not do well on these types of exams, it is suggested that you choose another course. No alternative assignments will be given for those that do not perform well on these types of assignments.

  36. Attendance Policy: Attendance and Participation:

    Attendance and participation will be evaluated by discussion forums and assignments posted on Canvas. No make ups will be permitted for missed assignments (except as dictated by documented circumstances or emergencies, prior arrangements cleared through the instructor or situations as outlined below). Assignments and projects are given as the schedule dictates. These assignments and projects count for participation points towards the overall grade for this course. Assignments will be posted by Monday of each week.

    Course Attendance at First Class Meeting – Policy for Graduate Students: For structured courses, 6000 and above, the College/Campus Dean will set the first-day class attendance requirement. Check with the College for specific information. This policy is not applicable to courses in the following categories: Educational Outreach, Open University (TV), FEEDS Program, Community Experiential Learning (CEL), Cooperative Education Training, and courses that do not have regularly scheduled meeting days/times (such as, directed reading/research or study, individual research, thesis, dissertation, internship, practica, etc.). Students are responsible for dropping undesired courses in these categories by the 5th day of classes to avoid fee liability and academic penalty. (See USF Regulation – Registration - 4.0101,

    http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/ogc%20web/currentreg.htm)

    Attendance Policy for the Observance of Religious Days by Students: In accordance with Sections 1006.53 and 1001.74(10)(g) Florida Statutes and Board of Governors Regulation 6C-6.0115, the University of South Florida (University/USF) has established the following policy regarding religious observances: (http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/gc_pp/acadaf/gc10-045.htm)

    In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Blackboard, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It’s the responsibility of the student to monitor Blackboard site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information.

    Attendance and participation will be evaluated by discussion forums and assignments posted on Canvas. Assignments and projects are given on a weekly basis and as the schedule dictates. Assignments will be posted by Monday of each week.

  37. Policy on Make-up Work: All due dates are identified in each individual assignment. Late work (without an approved extension and/or a documented emergency) will receive zero points.

    The two exceptions to “no late work” are 1) a documented emergency wherein it was impossible to make contact beforehand, and 2) documented arrangements made in advance.

    INCOMPLETE, S/U GRADES, AND W GRADES:

    An incomplete grade (I) will only be given under very rare circumstances. To qualify for an incomplete, the student must have completed all but a very small portion of the course, and must have earned a passing grade up to that point. A contract will be signed between the student and the instructor for completion of the work.

    Only non-anthropology majors are eligible for S/U grades. Students choosing this option must do so no later than one week after the last day to add classes.

    ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:

    Penalties for academic dishonesty (including cheating and plagiarism) may include: assignment of an “F” or a numerical value of zero on the assignment, quiz, exam, etc.; assignment of an “F” or an “FF” grade (the latter indicating academic dishonesty) in the course; and/or suspension or expulsion from the University.

    The University of South Florida has an account with an automated plagiarism detection service which allows instructors and students to submit student assignments to be checked for plagiarism. The instructor reserves the right to: 1) request that assignments be submitted as electronic files; 2) electronically submit assignments to SafeAssignment, 3) ask students to submit their assignments to SafeAssignment through myUSF. Assignments are compared automatically with a database of journal articles, web articles, and previously submitted papers. The instructor receives a report showing exactly how a student’s paper was plagiarized.

  38. Program This Course Supports: Crime Scene Investigations for Violent Crimes (Graduate Certificate)
  39. Course Concurrence Information: N/A


- if you have questions about any of these fields, please contact chinescobb@grad.usf.edu or joe@grad.usf.edu.