PS 3170 (CJ 3170) - Forensic Psychology

The goal of this course is to acquaint the student with the different psychological characteristics, levels of motivation, and different prognoses for criminal behavior. Homicide will be presented, not as a unitary event, but as a complex behavior, with different phenomenology, psychopathology, and dynamics. The course focuses on a number of case studies that illustrate the complex psychological issues involved in domestic violence, hate crimes, sexual homicide, and the role of mental illness in crime. In addition, the course covers the relationship of psychology to the practice of law and justice, and the role a forensic psychologist plays within the criminal justice arena. Concepts of personality assessment, expert testimony, and profiling of various offenders are discussed. Prerequisites: Any 2000‐level CJ or PS course. (4 credits)