PSYC333 INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
| Course Code: | 3710333 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 6.0 |
| Department: | Psychology |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Assist.Prof.Dr JACQUELINE MASSA |
| Offered Semester: | Fall or Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
The course provides an introduction to the field of forensic psychology through examination of the relationship between psychology and the legal system. The course will address the nature of forensic psychology, ethical issues, criminal causality, offender responsibility, and discrimination issues
Course Content
The course provides an introduction to the field of forensic psychology through examination of the relationship between psychology and the legal system. The course will address the nature of forensic psychology, ethical issues, criminal causality, offender responsibility, and discrimination issues.
Course Learning Outcomes
As a result of this course students will study the following distinct concepts and demonstrate knowledge of the interface between psychology and the legal system: 1). Explain how crime is defined and measured and describe the different theories that may help explain crime; 2). Identify the different perspectives of human nature that underlie the theoretical development and research of criminal behaviour; 3). Recognize the historical contributions psychological science has made to the legal system; 4). Demonstrate an understanding of psychological research on relevant legal topics (e.g. assessment of risk among criminal offenders and re-offenders, etc.); 5). Researching and analyzing legal authorities (case law, statutes, regulations) to identify relevant psycho-legal constructs; 6). Discuss the prevalence of mental illness and psychopathology in incarcerated populations. 7). Define risk assessment and identify the various measurements of criminal and delinquent behaviour; 8). Summarize the effects of substance and alcohol abuse on crime and delinquency; 9). Discuss issues of culture, race, and gender as they impact law and psychology; 10). Formulate an understanding of violence utilizing evidence from biological, evolutionary, social and developmental domains; 11). Identify the elements involved in stalking and separate the crime from normal relationship behaviours; 12). Identify the elements involved in the insanity plea and distinguish those issues from competency to stand trial; and 13). Review sentencing, prison, probation, parole, and rehabilitation.