PSYC441-22S1 (C) Semester One 2022

Special Topic: Forensic Psychology

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 21 February 2022
End Date: Sunday, 26 June 2022
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 6 March 2022
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 15 May 2022

Description

Special Topic: Forensic Psychology

This course is concerned with the psychology of crime and the potential roles of psychologists in the Criminal Justice System.  There will be a particular emphasis on the contribution that psychological inquiry and practice can make to addressing some of the pressing issues in current forensic psychology practice. As such, a large focus of the course is on the development and application of critical thinking and evidence-informed decision-making to understand contemporary and controversial issues in the field, such as:
• the use of automated risk assessment tools in offender management
• the cultural appropriateness of modern offender management practices
• the debate between strength-based and “deficits-based” models of rehabilitation
• prevention and therapy with minor-attracted persons
• evidence for systemic bias in the criminal justice system.

Learning Outcomes

  • On successfully passing this course, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of issues and controversies at the fore-front of modern forensic psychology theory and research.
  • Apply critical thinking skills to identify and reflect on one’s own beliefs and knowledge base in relation to these contemporary issues in forensic psychology, and effectively communicate these beliefs.
  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of psychological and cultural factors and processes that impact on modern offender management.
  • Identify benefits and limitations of different approaches and models for offending prevention and rehabilitation, including kaupapa Māori models of prevention and rehabilitation.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that influence the appropriate collection and use of forensic-related data in research and practice, and the moral and cultural considerations involving the use of such data.

Course Coordinator

Jacinta Cording

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Discussion facilitation 10%
Discussion questions 15%
Weekly post-flections 30%
Weekly pre-flections 15%
Whole course reflection 30%

Textbooks / Resources

There are no required textbooks for this course. Two to three assigned readings for each lecture will be provided online via LEARN.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,051.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing .

All PSYC441 Occurrences

  • PSYC441-22S1 (C) Semester One 2022
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