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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PS/LAW 238"
COURSE NAME: "The Psychology of Criminal Behavior"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Clifford Drew Kusaj
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 11:30 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: PS 101 or permission of the instructor
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course examines the psychology behind why certain people commit crimes, while others do not. Using detailed studies of specific crimes, the course reviews how psychological theories can be used in an applied way in forensic investigation contexts, crime prevention and intervention, and evolving criminal justice systems. Considering the practical applications of psychological research alongside the lived experience informs each module of study.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The course will address several topics: from victims and victimization to the developmental pathways to criminal behavior. 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
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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 case conceptualizations.
Explain and critique the scientific methods used to study and explain criminal behavior. Conceptualize a psychological clinical case presentation.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Criminal Behavior: A Psychological ApproachBartol, C.R.Pearson (12th edition)9780135618752  Hard Copy  
The Psychology of Criminal ConductBonta, J. and Andrews, D.A.Routledge (6th edition)113893576X  Hard Copy  
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Chapter Summary and Individual Presentation1) A four to five-page narrative or outline (or 15 to 20 slide) presentation of subject matter key concepts and relevant topics of discussion, incorporating 4 to 5 multiple choice questions. 2) A 10 to 15 minute oral presentation to stimulate classroom discussion. Chapter summaries and individual presentations are intended to facilitate students’ learning and preparation for midterm and final exams.15%
Midterm ExamMultiple choice and short answer essay questions covering material in the first half of the course.40%
   
Participation in Case ConceptualizationsThroughout the term students will convene in classroom groups to apply their learning by formulating case conceptualizations of real-life cases of people who have committed serious crimes. Consistent attendance is critical to meeting this criterion. 5%
Final ExamMultiple choice and short answer essay questions covering material in the second half of the course.40%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

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.

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

LATE WORK:
Chapter summaries and individual presentations must be finalized and delivered as scheduled.  Failure to do so without gaining the instructor’s prior approval will result in a 10% reduction in grade.

 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

Date

Content Focus

Reading Assignment

Student Presentation

Monday September 2, 2024

Cancelled

None

None

Wednesday September 4, 2024

Course Overview and Introduction to the Psychology of Criminal Behavior

None

None

Monday September 9, 2024

Introduction to Criminal Behavior

 

 

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 1

1

Wednesday September 11, 2024

Overview of the Psychology of Criminal Conduct

J. Bonta/ D.A. Andrews: The Psychology of Criminal Conduct Chapter 1

2

Monday September 16, 2024

Origins of Criminal Behavior: Developmental Risk Factors

 

From Criminology Theories to a Psychological Perspective of Criminal Conduct

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 2

 

J. Bonta/ D.A. Andrews: The Psychology of Criminal Conduct Chapter 3

3

 

 

4

Wednesday September 18, 2024

Origins of Criminal Behavior: Biological Factors

 

Biological Basis of Criminal Behavior

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 3

 

J. Bonta/ D.A. Andrews: The Psychology of Criminal Conduct Chapter 4

5

 

 

6

Monday September 23, 2024

Origins of Criminal Behavior: Learning and Situational Factors

 

The Person in Social Context

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 4

 

J. Bonta/ D.A. Andrews: The Psychology of Criminal Conduct Chapter 7

7

 

 

8

Wednesday September 25, 2024

Human Aggression and Violence

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 5

 

9

MondaySeptember 30, 2024

Juvenile Delinquency

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 6

10

WednesdayOctober 2, 2024

The Role of Procriminal Associates and Attitudes in Criminal Conduct

J. Bonta/ D.A. Andrews: The Psychology of Criminal Conduct Chapter 6

11

MondayOctober 7, 2024

Psychopathy

 

Antisocial Personality Pattern

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 7

J. Bonta/ D.A. Andrews: The Psychology of Criminal Conduct Chapter 5

12

 

 

13

WednesdayOctober 9, 2024

Crime and Mental Disorders

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 8

14

MondayOctober 14, 2024

Desistance

To Be Determined

None

Wednesday October 16, 2024

Midterm Exam

Monday October 21, 2024

Sexual Assault

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 12

15

Wednesday October 23, 2024

Risk Factors for Sexual Offending

J. Bonta/ D.A. Andrews: The Psychology of Criminal Conduct Chapter 14

16

MondayOctober 28, 2024

Sexual Abuse of Children and Youth

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 13

17

Wednesday October 30, 2024

Substance Abuse and Crime

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 16

18

Monday November 4, 2024

Trauma Informed Assessment

To Be Determined

26

Wednesday November 6, 2024

Addiction as a Learning Disorder

To Be Determined

27

MondayNovember 11, 2024

Risk Need Responsivity

Required: J. Bonta/ D.A. Andrews: The Psychology of Criminal Conduct Chapter 9

19

Wednesday November 13, 2024

Approaches to Violence Risk Assessment

Required: J. Bonta/ D.A. Andrews: The Psychology of Criminal Conduct Chapter 10

20

Monday.November 18, 2024

Rehabilitation

Required: J. Bonta/ D.A. Andrews: The Psychology of Criminal Conduct Chapter11

21

Wednesday. November 20, 2024

The Psychology of Punishment

Required: J. Bonta/ D.A. Andrews: The Psychology of Criminal Conduct Chapter 13

22

Monday.November 25, 2024

Differences in American and European Approaches to Punishment

To Be Determined

28

Wednesday November 27, 2024

Homicide, Assault and Intimate Partner Violence

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 9

23

Thursday November 28 Thanksgiving Holiday

MondayDecember 2, 2024

Women Who Murder

To Be Determined

24

Wednesday December 4, 2024

Burglary, Home Invasions, Thefts, Arson, and “White-Collar” Offenses

Required: R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach.Chapter 14

25

Thursday December 5, 2024 Last Day of Classes

Monday December 9, 2024

Final Examination

Monday December 16, 2024

Winter Vacation Begins