Forensic Psychology: COURSE SYLLABUS

Title: Forensic Psychology

Instructor Contact Information:

Name: Joulyn Kenny M.Sc (Forensic Science).

Phone: 9819288253

E-mail: joulyn.kenny@ifsr.in

Office Hours: Before & After Class or By Appointment

Course Description: The forensic psychology course will explore the application of psychological science to legal matters. Special attention will be given to developing and understanding of the most prevalent mental disorders that are encountered in forensic evaluations and how forensic psychologists assists judges and juries in determining criminal responsibility and punishment. Students will learn about the insanity defense, capital murder and the death penalty, competency to stand trial, and child custody matters. Additional topics to be covered include the psychological underpinnings and motivations for sexual offenses, murder, and repeated criminal behaviour.

Student Learning Objectives:

1. Students will identify the major mental illnesses encountered in forensic psychology and apply this knowledge to case analyses.

2. Students will learn basic case and statutory law related to forensic psychology.

3. Students will be able to identify causes of criminality.

4. Students will learn criminal and civil applications of forensic psychology.

Required Reading Materials: Necessary Hand-outs, worksheets as provided by the Instructor.

Assignments and Academic Calendar

Date Class Instruction & Assignment03-10-2015 1. Introduction to Forensic Psychology

2. Major Mental Illness in Forensic Psychology10-10-2015 1.Psychotic Disorders

2. Bipolar Disorders 3. Intellectual Disabilities

4. Major Depression 5. Reading Assignment: Forensic Psychology, Chapter 1

17-10-2015 Psychopathy24-10-2015 1. Psychopathy Continued

2. Reading Assignment31-10-2015 Insanity Defense

07-11-2015 1.Competency to Stand Trial.2. Reading Assignment:

14-11-2015 Mid-Term Exam (first hour of class)Competency Assessment

21-11-2015 1.Sexual Offender-Risk Assessment and Subtypes 2. Reading Assignment

28-11-2015 1.Violence Risk Assessment 2. Intimate Partner Violence

3. Juvenile Delinquency05-12-2015 1.Eye witness memory and identification errors

2. Amnesia for criminal behavior12-12-2015 1.Civil Commitment

2. Reading Assignment19-12-2015 Child Custody Evaluations26-12-2015 1. Mind of the Criminal

2. Case Studies02-01-2016 No Class- New Year Weekend09-01-2016 Personal Injury Evaluations16-01-2016 Paper Submission23-01-2016 1. New Trends in Forensic Pyschology

2. Review for End Exams30-01-2016 FINAL EXAMS

Course Requirements and Grading Policies:

A student’s final grade will be an average of the following:

1. Class participation and attendance (10%).

You can expect to receive full credit in this area if you attend class regularly and participate in class discussions.

2. Mid-Term Exam (35%)

3. Analysis Paper (20%)

4. Final Exam (35%)

Exams will be composed of true/false questions, multiple choice questions, and brief essays.

Paper Requirements: Each student will compose a three to five page (double spaced, 12 point font, one inch margins) analysis on an insanity case.

The paper will be graded as follows:

1. Content (75%) 2. Grammar (25%)

Final Grades will be scored on a standard metric:

1. 90% to 100% = A

2. 80% to 89% = B

3. 70% to 79% = C

4. 60 to 69% = D

5. Below 60 % = F

Course & Instructor Policies:

Make up exams will be allowed only on an emergency basis. Proof of the emergency must be provided (e.g., physician’s note, police report, etc.).

Late papers will be accepted one week after the due date and will be reduced by one grade level.

No electronic devices are allowed during testing.

Cells phones should be silenced during class.

The descriptions and timelines contained in this syllabus are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.