Course Number and Title:
CRJ 231 Forensic Psychology
Prerequisites
CRJ 101 and CRJ 115 and ENG 102
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course studies the intersection of psychology and the criminal justice system with a focus on the psychological causes of adult and juvenile crime. The course explores the impact of psychological theories and research on the understanding of criminal behavior as well as evaluating risk and shaping law and policy.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Identify key concepts and theories in forensic psychology. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 4, 5)
- Explain the role of forensic psychology in the criminal justice system. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Examine aspects of human behavior. (CCC 1, 2, 3; PGC 4)
- Analyze the ethical issues related to the practice of forensic psychology. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 4, 5)
- Apply the concepts of forensic psychology to different example situations. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Examine evaluation and assessment tools used in forensic psychology. (CCC 2, 3, 4; PGC 3)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Identify key concepts and theories in forensic psychology.
- Identify accepted theories in forensic psychology.
- Describe and differentiate between accepted theories.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of major theoretical perspectives of forensic psychology.
- Examine the impact of society, culture, economics, and class on human behavior.
- Examine the role of forensic psychology in the criminal justice system.
- Explain the concept of justice.
- Examine the aspects of human behavior directly related to the legal process.
- Examine the legal components of forensic psychology.
- Analyze the function of forensic psychology in the juvenile justice system and the adult system.
- Compare and contrast the role of forensic psychology in the juvenile justice system with the role of forensic psychology adult system.
- Examine aspects of human behavior.
- Analyze what motivates people.
- Identify differing historical and cultural views regarding the causes of behavior.
- Identify current approaches and trends in the treatment of behavior.
- Summarize the basic findings of current research about behavior.
- Analyze the ethical issues related to the practice of forensic psychology.
- Define professionalism, ethics, and morality.
- Review the professional code of ethics for forensic psychologists.
- Discuss ethical and moral issues in forensic psychology.
- Analyze ethical and moral behavior in forensic psychology.
- Apply the concepts of forensic psychology to different example situations.
- Analyze different situations in which forensic psychology is used.
- Apply cultural and ethical considerations to different example situations.
- Research and apply forensic psychological knowledge, techniques, and theories to example situations.
- Examine evaluation and assessment tools used in forensic psychology.
- Explain the general purpose of evaluation and assessment tools.
- Compare and contrast the major evaluation and assessment tools.
- Describe the importance of cultural and ethnic considerations in evaluation and assessment tools.
- Assess the different evaluation and assessment tools.
- Distinguish between evaluation and assessment tools used with juveniles and adults.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Grade |
Summative Assessments |
Exams (3) (equally weighted) | 50% |
Forensic Psychology Case Study Presentation | 10% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: Quizzes Assignments Role Plays Discussion Boards | 40% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and homeland security.
- Analyze causes of adult and juvenile crime.
- Explain the importance of professionalism, ethics, and critical thinking skills in the field of criminal justice.
- Apply skills needed in investigation, report writing, and crisis intervention.
- Demonstrate communication skills appropriate to criminal justice, including cultural competence and trauma-informed care.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.