This introductory course covers a range of topics and activities designed to provide you with an informed understanding of Forensic Psychology.
This course is adapted from a series of lectures and sessions devised
for undergraduate psychology students. It assumes no previous knowledge
and is aimed at anyone with an interest in Forensic Psychology
and a willingness to consider, discuss and debate the major issues
raised.
You will be introduced to the ways in which psychological knowledge
can be applied within the criminal justice system: in particular,
the criminal investigation and the court of law.
You will learn to evaluate critically the influence of mental illness
within the discourse and practice of forensic psychology.
And you will develop an understanding of the psychological methods
employed in the detection, investigation and prosecution of the
perpetrators of crime.
Outline
In this course you will cover:
Topic 1 - What is Forensic Psychology?
Introduce you to the key conceptual debates within Forensic Psychology.
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To understand why no clear consensus exists regarding the practice and boundaries of forensic psychology; and
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To explore the levels at which psychology can interface with the law.
Topic 2 - An Historical Perspective
In this topic we will identify the historical, moral, social and political attitudes that influened the development and identity of forensic psychology.
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To understand why the concept of mental illness/disorder occupies a prominent position within the discourse of forensic psychology ; and
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To clearly differentiate between the practice of forensic psychology and forensic psychiatry.
Topic 3 - Offender Profiling (3 weeks)
In these three weeks we will outline, evaluate and debate the theory and practice of offender profiling.
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To provide an historical overview of offender profiling;
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To critically examine the notion that it is possible to identify personality and behavioural characteristics of offenders based on an analysis of the crimes they commit; and
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To assess the application and utility of offender profiling within criminal investigations.
Topic 4 - Psychological Testing (2 weeks)
In Topic 4 we will examine the nature and importance of psychological testing within the discipline of forensic psychology.
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To understand the nature of projective and psychometric testing; and
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To examine the the principles and purpose of testing within a forensic context
Topic 5 - Eyewitness Memory
Topic 5 is concerned with how accurately we acquire, retain and retrieve memory information and the implications this has within a forensic context.
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To discuss whether experimental research findings into eyewitness memory can be generalised to real life situations.
Who should take this course?
Anyone considering studying forensic psychology formally or simply anyone with a general interest in forensic investigation.
Follow on
The course provides a solid foundation for anyone interested in pursuing forensic psychology in greater depth at college or university.
You will need
An Internet connected computer, PC or Mac. Most recent browsers work well, including Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari.
Other browsers should work as well: enrol on the free Fire Balloon course if you are unsure.
Plug-ins: Flash Player and Quicktime (available as free downloads if you haven't already got them installed)
An e-mail address.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
How long is this course?
This course lasts duration weeks.
Your tutor
Your tutor for this course is
David
Webb
.
You can find out more about her on
the Tutors page.
Further information
Read a leaflet for this course
