Forensic Psychology Courses

Forensic Psychology (FOR)

105 Victimology (w)  (3 hours)
This course focuses on the victims rather than the offenders; why they have been recently “rediscovered,” why they often do not report crimes to police; how some victims might share responsibility for the crimes with the offenders; how they can be repaid for their losses through offender restitution and government compensation; and what new services are available to help victims pre­vent crimes and resist attacks. The social and emotional responses of victims to crime are examined.  This is a writing intensive course.
Offered Spring
 
250 Social Psychology  (3 hours)
Study of the influences that people have on the beliefs and behaviors of others. Topics will include social perception and attribu­tion, self-presentation, attitudes and attitude change, aggression and violence, group dynamics, and their relationship to selected fields.  Prerequisite: PSY101 or SOC101   Offered Spring
 
344 Psychology of Violence and Aggression  (3 hours)
Course examines the changes in the methods, patterns, and meanings of violence. Special attention is paid to individual and collective violence in the streets, in schools, at home, within the media, by the police, by terrorists and by the military. The major theories explaining the causes of violence, and important research about attitudes toward violence and the showing of force to bring about change are reviewed.
Prerequisites: FOR105, PSY101  Offered Fall
 
360 Introduction to Counseling  (3 hours)
Provides a theoretical survey of the field of counseling. Major emphasis is on such topics as ethical considerations, the intake inter­view, counselor roles and client roles, goals of counseling, referrals and liaisons in the community, vocational counseling, tests and instruments used in the counseling process and research on the counseling process. Prerequisite: PSY101   Offered Spring
 
362 Abnormal Behavior  (3 hours)
This course focuses on description, identification, and practical management of behaviors stemming from physiological, psychological and environmental causes.
Prerequisite: PSY101  Offered Fall
 
365 Drugs and Society  (3 hours)
Considers various types of drugs, dynamics of use, abuse, addiction, and recovery; social, legal, economic, and psychological impact on structure and function of society; current trends; diagnosis and treatment; prevention strategies.
Prerequisites: PSY101, PSY362  Offered Spring odd numbered years
 
369 Human Sexuality  (3 hours)
Examines physiology of human sexuality as well as psychosocial aspects of the field.
Also considers sexual orientation, sexual dysfunction and paraphilia, sex therapy,
theories of attraction, and current research.
Prerequisite: PSY101  Offered Fall even numbered years
 
440 Comparative Psychotherapies and Therapeutic Techniques  (3 hours)
An in-depth exploration of the major, extant psychotherapeutic theories and experiential exposure to those techniques appropriate for use by an entry level counselor; emphasis will be on behavioral, cognitive and humanistic approaches.
Prerequisite: PSY360  Offered Spring
 
460 Psychology and Law  (3 hours)
Course studies the psychology assumptions that the law makes and the differences between law and psychology regarding models of behavior, theories of change, morality, and values. Role of psychology in the legal process, the rules of procedure, the jury sys­tem, and the psychologist in the courtroom are examined in depth.
Prerequisite: SCS300, FOR250 and Junior standing   Offered Fall
 
485 Death and Dying  (3 hours)
This interdisciplinary course examines the reality of death and dying as it affects the helping professional, the terminal person, and the survivors. Incorporates the work of relevant sociological, philosophical, and religious viewpoints from a multicultural perspec­tive.  Prerequisites: PSY101, SOC101   Offered Fall odd numbered years

515 Research Design and Analysis in Forensic Psychology (3 hours)
Students in this course will receive an in-depth examination of the application, construction and design of research as it applies to Forensic Psychology. Content includes discussion of philosophy of science, reliability, validity, questionnaire construction, sampling, and a variety of research designs commonly found in Forensic Psychology research. Each student would be responsible for designing and implementing an original, empirical research project.

520 Statistical Application in Forensic Psychology (3 hours)
Students in this course explore the principles and application of statistical models and techniques that are of value in the criminal justice system. All types of social science statistical uses will be explored from descriptive to inferential, to sophisticated statistical measurement. Particular emphasis will be placed on the application of statistical techniques to research in Forensic Psychology and criminal justice of data.