The course will address several topics: from victims and victimization to the developmental pathways to criminal behaviour. The application of psychological theories to specific crimes, such as homicide, sexual assault, and drug use will also be addressed. Throughout the course we will study core criminological psychology concepts, debates and perspectives by applying a range of psychological theories to various crimes, allowing students to see their relationship to real life problems and scenarios. In class discussions will help further the debate on a range of issues around the psychology of both the victim and the offender and crime prevention measures.

Students are encouraged to consider the practical applications of their theoretical psychological knowledge, putting together psychological case studies and criminal profiles.

NOTE: The course addresses topics that may be disturbing, even traumatizing, to some students. Please review the content to make sure this class is for you.

If you are aware of particular course material that may be traumatizing to you, I’d be happy to discuss any concerns you may have with it before it comes up in class. If you ever feel the need to step outside during one of these discussions, either for a short time or for the rest of the class session, you may always do so without academic penalty. You will, however, be responsible for any material you miss. If you do leave the room for a significant time, please make arrangements to see me individually to discuss the situation.

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

Summarize and critically evaluate the main psychological theories and debates on criminal behavior.

Apply psychological theories and concepts to real life forensic scenarios.

Explain and critique the scientific methods used to study and explain criminal behavior.

Conceptualize a psychological clinical case presentation.

Present a psychological profile of an unknown offender.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. 

ACADEMIC HONESTY

All written work must be students own. With the exception of quotations, no material can be copied from scientific publications, the Internet or from research works already presented in the academic field by me or by other students. In the case of parts taken from scientific publications these must be referenced appropriately. The use of any AI in any written material will result in an immediate fail. 

PARTICIPATION

More than two missed classes will require an explanation and will result in loss of 5 % of grade. 

LATE WORK

Without reasonable request for an extension up to 24 hours before due date late work will result in 20% reduction in grade.