Fall 2019 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]
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PSY 255 - Forensic Psychology
The primary goal of this course is to investigate the psychological disorders present in both perpetrators and victims of crime as these disorders apply to the various aspects of the United States criminal justice system. Psychological underpinnings of crimes such as stalking, child abuse, murder, and sexual deviance are explored. The course also provides an overview of the role psychologists play in criminal investigations, including profiling, risk assessment, crime scene analysis, and therapeutic interventions.
Prerequisite- Corequisite
Prerequisite: PSY 110 General Psychology
Credits: 3
Hours
3 Class Hours
Course Profile
Objectives of the Course:
1. This course is designed to familiarize students with the symptoms of clinical syndromes and the application of diagnostics to forensic populaltions.
2. Students will be exposed to the aspects of forensic psychology as a career.
3. This course is intended to develop student research and writing skills in the expected professional writing format for social and behavioral sciences and criminal justice (APA).
Learning Outcomes of the Course:
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Recognize, reflect on, and articulate (both orally and in writing) the scope of the field of forensic psychology including main terminology.
2. Summarize major topics, theories, research and concepts in the discipline and explain the interaction between the fields of Criminal Justice and Psychology.
3. Apply the principles learned in this course to practical experiences in the field specifically:
- Differentiate between the various disorders most common in the criminal justice system including the etiology, symptomology, and treatment.
- Effectively communicate with a variety of people involved in the criminal justice system including perpetrators, victims, and criminal justice personnel.
- Interpret ambiguous situations involving the accused and the accuser using knowledge of reasoning and behavior.
4. Explain different aspects of crime, considering social, biological, cultural, and cognitive influences.
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