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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PS/LAW 238"
COURSE NAME: "The Psychology of Criminal Behavior"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2025
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 will be able to:
• Analyze major psychological theories of criminal behavior.
• Identify the role of developmental and environmental factors in criminality.
• Evaluate the psychological profiles of various types of offenders.
• Discuss the relationship between mental health and criminal justice outcomes.
• Apply psychological research to real-world criminal justice issues and policies.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach Bartol, C.R. Pearson (12th edition) 9780135618752      
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Forensic Psychology: Research, Clinical Practice, and Applications (3rd Edition)Matthew HussWiley978-1-394-22119-6 Available in e-Book Format (Recommended)
The Oxford Handbook of Developmental and Life Course CriminologyDavid P. Farrington (ed.), Lila Kazemian (ed.), and Alex R. Piquero (ed.)Oxford University Press9780190201388 Print ISBN: 9780190201371
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm ExamMultiple choice and short answer essay questions covering material in the first half of the course.35%
Applied ProjectCreate and present a research poster: An empirically-informed analysis of a contemporary question or debate in forensic or correctional psychology (the instructor will provide further direction).20%
Final ExamMultiple choice and/or short-answer essay questions covering all material in the second half of the course.35%
Classroom ParticipationWritten reading responses of discussion questions as assigned by the instructor.10%

-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

Required Reading

Additional Resources

1: Monday, September 1, 2025

Course Overview

 

Crime and Violence in the United States

 

Correctional Populations and Incarceration

None

 

2: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Introduction to Criminal

Behavior

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach. Chapter 1

 

3: Monday, September 8, 2025

Origins of Criminal

Behavior: Developmental

Risk and Protective Factors (Part I)

 

Select Applied Project Topic

 

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach. Chapter 2

 

 

 

4: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Origins of Criminal

Behavior: Developmental

Risk and Protective Factors (Part II)

 

Written Reading Response for Chapter 2

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach. Chapter 2

 

5: Monday, September 15, 2025

Origins of Criminal

Behavior: Biological/Neurological Risk

Factors

 

Written Reading Response for Chapter 3

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach. Chapter 3

The Oxford Handbook of Developmental and Life Course Criminology: Chapter 17

 

Biosocial Influences on Offending Across the Life Course

 

 

6: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Origins of Criminal Behavior: Learning and Situation Factors

 

Developmental and Life-Course Models of Crime

 

Written Reading Response for Chapter 4

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach. Chapter 4

The Oxford Handbook of Developmental and Life Course Criminology: Chapters 9-16.

 

Developmental and Life-Course Models of Crime

 

 

 

 

7: Monday, September 22, 2025

Human Aggression and

Violence (Part I)

 

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 5

Video: Voices of Violence (Part I) First Half

 

 

 

8: Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Human Aggression and

Violence (Part II)

 

Written Reading Response for Chapter 5

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 5

Video: Voices of Violence (Part I) Second Half

 

9: Monday, September 29, 2025

Juvenile Delinquency (Part I)

 

No Written Reading Response Assignment for Chapter 6

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 6

The Oxford Handbook of Developmental and Life Course Criminology: Chapters 8, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 27

 

Peer Influences on Offending; Personality and Other Individual Influences on Offending; Family Influences on Youth Offending; Schools and Pathways to Crime; Co-Offending; Effects of Juvenile System Processing on Subsequent Delinquency Outcomes

 

 

 

 

10: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Juvenile Delinquency (Part II)

 

 

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 6

Forensic Psychology: Research, Clinical Practice, and Applications: Chapter 11

 

Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice

 

11: Monday, October 6, 2025

Student Presentations of Research Posters: Group A

None

None

12: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Psychopathy (Part I)

 

Written Reading Response for Chapter 7

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 7

Forensic Psychology: Research, Clinical Practice, and Applications: Chapter 4

 

Psychopathy

13: Monday, October 13, 2025

Psychopathy (Part II)

 

Desistance from Crime

 

Midterm Examination Preparation

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 7

 

The Oxford Handbook of Developmental and Life Course Criminology: Chapter 29

 

Desistance and Cognitive Transformations

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Midterm Examination

 

 

14: Monday, October 20, 2025

Crime and Mental

Disorders (Part I)

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 8

Forensic Psychology: Research, Clinical Practice, and Applications: Chapters 8 and 9

 

Criminal and Civl Competence

 

Insanity, Criminal Responsibility, and Diminished Capacity

 

 

 

 

15: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Crime and Mental

Disorders (Part II)

 

Written Reading Response for Chapter 8

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 8

Forensic Psychology: Research, Clinical Practice, and Applications: Chapter 5

 

Violence Risk Assessment

 

 

16: Monday, October 27, 2025

Homicide, Assault, and Intimate Partner Violence (Part I)

 

Written Reading Response for Chapter 9

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 9

Forensic Psychology: Research, Clinical Practice, and Applications: Chapter 10

 

Intimate Partner Violence and Stalking

 

 

Video: Killer Sally (Episode 2)

17: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Homicide, Assault, and Intimate Partner Violence (Part II)

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 9

Oxford Handbook of Criminology, Chapter 31

 

Understanding Penal Decision Making, Courts, Sentencing and Parole

 

Video: Killer Sally (Episode 3)

 

 

18: Monday, November 3, 2025

Student Presentations of Research Posters (Group B)

 

 

19: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Multiple Murder, School

and Workplace Violence

 

No Written Reading Response for Chapter 10

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 10

 

International Handbook of Threat Assessment: Chapter 1

 

Threat Assessment and Threat Management

 

20: Monday, November 10, 2025

Psychology of Modern

Terrorism

 

No Written Reading Response for Chapter 11

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 11

International Handbook of Threat Assessment: Chapter 3

 

Warning Behaviors and Their Configurations Across Various Domains of Targeted Violence

 

21: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Student Presentations of Research Posters (Group C)

 

 

22: Monday, November 17, 2025

Sexual Assault (Part I)

 

 

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 12

Forensic Psychology: Research, Clinical Practice, and Applications: Chapter 6

 

Sexual Offenders

 

 

 

 

23: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Sexual Assault (Part II)

 

Written Reading Response for Chapter 12

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 12

 

 

 

 

24: Monday, November 24, 2025

Sexual Assault of Children and Youth (Part I)

 

 

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 13

The Oxford Handbook of Developmental and Life Course Criminology: Chapter 28

 

Developmental and Life Course Findings on Women and Girls

 

25: Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Sexual Assault of Children and Youth (Part II)

 

Written Reading Response for Chapter 13

R. Bartol/A.M.Bartol Criminal Behavior: A

Psychological Approach.Chapter 13

 

 

26: Monday, December 1, 2025

Substance Abuse and Crime (Part I)

The Oxford Handbook of Developmental and Life Course Criminology: Chapter Twenty-Two

 

Developmental Influences of Substance Use on Criminal Offending

Video: Voices of Violence (Part II) First Half

27: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Substance Abuse and Crime (Part I)

 

Written Reading Response (Chapter 31 of OHDLCC)

 

Final Examination Preparation

The Oxford Handbook of Developmental and Life Course Criminology: Chapter Thirty-One

 

Cognitive Behavioral Treatment to Prevent Offending and to Rehabilitate Offenders

Video: Voices of Violence (Part II) Second Half

TBD: December 9-12, 2025

Final Examination

 

 

December 15, 2025

Winter Vacation Begins