PSY4023 - Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Objectives:

Assessment tasks are designed to enable students to demonstrate the Learning and Employability outcomes for the relevant level of study. Level Learning Outcomes are embedded in the assessment task(s) at that level. This enables a more integrated view of overall student performance at each level.

Content:

This module provides an introduction to the area of Forensic Psychology, including key conceptual and historical issues. Topics may include: psychological theories of crime (including social, biological, psychodynamic, behavioural, personality theories, moral and cognitive theories), international perspectives of crime and risk management, victimology, offenders, media and crime, the role of the Forensic Psychologist, prison and prisoners, restorative justice, courtroom psychology, police psychology, the nature, range and volume of crime; and methods of measurement.

Ethical practice, professional issues and conduct are also explored, along with conceptual, historical and cultural issues relating to the area of Forensic Psychology.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Formal scheduled learning and teaching activities
Hours: 50
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 250

Further details relating to assessment
Formative assessment will take place in lectures/workshops through the use of group activities and presentations to check the development of understanding with both staff and peer feedback.

The first essay assessment will involve students choosing between a choice of 2 topic areas that are contemporary and relevant to understanding the nature between crime and other variables such as drugs, or mental illness for example and exploring the relationship between these.

The second assessment will involve students providing outline using a presentation-based format (but not delivering the said presentation) the ethical considerations a Forensic Psychologist would need to implement in conducting both applied practice as well as academic research.

Assessment:

001 Essay; 1,500 words; mid semester 1 50%
002 Negotiated Ethics Assessment; 1,000 words or equivalent.; mid semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Russell Woodfield
Level - 4
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4YL

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