Johnson State College Distance Learning Program. PSY-4035-JY01 Forensic Psychology Syllabus Summer 2017

Transcription

1 Instructor: Alison Link Dates: May 15 to Aug 18 (There is no break) Johnson State College Distance Learning Program PSY-4035-JY01 Forensic Psychology Syllabus Summer 2017 Location: Online using Moodle ( ADA Statement: Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact JSC s Learning Specialist in Academic Services, as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations, if needed, are implemented in a timely fashion. Please call or Karen.Madden@jsc.edu. Academic Honesty: (from JSC Catalog) Students are expected to conform to the highest standards of academic honesty in all of their academic work at Johnson State College. Academic dishonesty in any form is prohibited and unacceptable. Acts of dishonesty for which a student may be disciplined include, but are not limited to, receiving or providing unauthorized assistance on an examination and plagiarizing the work of others in writing assignments. The American Heritage Dictionary defines plagiarism in the following way: To steal or use (the ideas or writings of another) as one s own. Students are responsible for knowing what specific acts constitute plagiarism; if students are uncertain as to whether a particular act constitutes plagiarism, they should consult with their instructors before turning in assigned work. Texts: Texts are available through the JSC bookstore. Call or go to Bartol, C. R. & Bartol, A. M. (2015). Introduction to forensic psychology, research and application (4 th Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. **Student online resources from the text book: Recommended: Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (Eds). (2016). Current perspectives in forensic psychology and criminal behavior (Fourth Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Other readings assignments will be posted on Moodle 1

2 This syllabus subject to change based on student interest and other new information. Introduction: This course examines the interactions and relationships of psychology and the legal system but does not stop there. We will explore many areas of the criminal and restorative justice systems through the psychological perspective. The course will integrate the concepts, methods, and theories that support the field of forensic psychology. We will use varied approach to provide an introduction to forensic psychology. Be prepared to fully engage, participate and engage with an open-mind. We will focus on knowledge, concepts, the application of research-based practice and expose students to a variety of topics, opportunities and careers in the field. For each topic area there will be a student initiated activity in the field assignment which can include interacting with professionals in the field and others affected by and connected to the criminal justice system. For example, you will be encouraged to will visit a court of your choice and interact with other local criminal justice agencies for our assignments. We will apply our learning to current events, scenarios and case studies. Some topics may be triggering for students. Triggers are often expected but sometimes unexpected. Please find ways to take care of yourselves. Triggers can also be opportunities to learn about yourself and gain tools to manage your experiences. JSC offers supports including the Wellness Center and there are also many others in community. If I can be of any assistance, please call on me. Topics will span the scope of: police and investigative psychology (including profiling) legal psychology and the courts (the intersection of psychology and law) criminal psychology juvenile psychology related to criminal justice victimology and victims services correctional psychology psychology of restorative justice race, psychology and criminal justice special topic: forensic leisure sciences 2

3 Learning Objectives/Core Concepts: To survey the major areas of interest shared by psychology, law and the criminal and restorative justice systems. To discuss some of the major ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by mental health professionals working with the legal and criminal justice system. To become familiar with the role of assessments as well as some different types of forensic psychological evaluations/assessments at different stages of one s connection to the system (or for use by different stakeholders). To examine the potential role of forensic psychology for criminal justice reform and improving its effectiveness. To be introduced to various career opportunities in forensic psychology and seek to find opportunities where there are gaps. Contact information: Alison J. Link, PhD alison.link@jsc.edu (cell) Feel free to text or call. Office hours by request. Assumptions: We value and respect one another and are kind. Check our course Moodle site regularly. Many articles and updates will be posted there and we may decide to use some additional forums. If you are not sure of a term or concept that you read about or hear about in class, look it up and get to know what it means. Assignments are expected to be completed and/or submitted/posted in on the due date. If there is a personal or family emergency related to why you cannot complete an assignment on time, talk to me as soon as possible so that we can create a plan of action together. If not, you will be penalized for late assignments. Your written assignments must be typed, double spaced and in appropriate academic writing format APA style (including bibliography, etc) We will use restorative practices to address or resolve issues related to the course. 3

4 Assignments/Projects (percentage of grade): Please make sure when uploading documents for assignments that you upload a PDF and save the document with your name in the title. Class Participation (20%): Introduction of self to class (more details will be on Moodle) On-line participation in any Moodle postings and discussions beyond reflections (which are all part of Assignment #1). One-on-one conversations with instructor Presentation and discussion of choice book Activity in the field per topic area. Partner, small group and large group interaction Following instructions outlined in this syllabus. Assignment 1: Discussion posts (Creative and/or Written) and response on Moodle by topic. (40%, 8 in total, 5 points each). This Assignment will be graded complete or incomplete (5 or 0)*** These reflection posts may change form during the semester. You will have a partner for each individual assignment to read and respond to posts. It is your job to introduce yourself to your partner. If you partner does not reply on time, contact your partner directly to see what is going on and if you do not have luck, contact the professor.. Credit will not be awarded for those assignments that are incomplete or do not demonstrate basic knowledge of the material. If the assignment is not completed on time, the only way you can receive credit will be to talk to the professor in advance. Your initial discussion posts are always due on a Friday that is the last day of the topic area (before a new topic begins that Monday). The response (2) is due by Tuesday and the final response Thursday (3). More details are below. You have the choice of a creative or written reflection. See criteria below: Each initial post (1) should be about 500 words or be a creative way of expressing your reflection along with a brief written description of your piece, along with how it relates to the What? So what? Now what? Model for reflection and Each reply post words (2). Then the individual who posts first (1) must reply one more time (3) to respond to any questions or issues raised by the response. As stated above, Initial posts may be creative in nature but still must include a brief written description of the piece and a summary including the criteria of all written posts. Creativity is increasingly important in the field of criminal justice reform and alternatives to incarceration including restorative justice. Creative reflection assignments may use a creative/arts based medium, such as but not limited to poetry, photography, multimedia/film, painting, sculpture, narrative, dance, monologue, 4

5 collage, mural, mosaic, etc. These assignments must address the criteria we have been using. Creative reflections include a written component. In addition to the creative piece, you must post a description of your creative piece and concise written reflection (based on the criteria below for all posts.) All Written Reflections should include the criteria below. If you are submitting a Creative Reflection you must upload it in the post/or attached it. Topics, due dates and criteria for reflections are below: Reflections must include everything related to our class. Readings and content, interactions, guests, activity in the field videos, assignments. You must address the what? so what? now what? model as described below. Partners will be assigned. We are all accountable for meeting the expectations. 1. Introduction first week reflection full details below: Due Week 1 Introduce your self to your partner. What is forensic psychology? Intro to forensic psychology, Consulting and Testifying, as well as personality and career assessments (if you have not registered before, you need to go to Register Now for first time users. Use your JSC and JSC password and then use the jsc88 as an access code.) Complete the assessments and write a reflection on the process of taking an assessment as well as reflections on the results your received. (Assignment 1-1) 2. Policing and Investigations (1-2) due Week 3 3. Explore a topic race and how it intersects with forensic psychology, reflect on implicit bias scores/assessment and other questions as well as the film 13 th (can view on Netflix) Courts (1-3) Due Week 4 4. Restorative Justice, Law/Legal/ (1-4) Due week 5 5. Psychology of Crime and Delinquency (many different populations, including youth) 6. (1-5) Due week 7 7. Victims and Victimology (1-6) Due Week 9 8. Correctional Psychology, Probation and Parole (1-7) Due Week Final reflection on the entire course (1-8) Due Week 12 Your discussion posts and responses will be assessed based on sharing and questioning about the following (Based on Gibbs and Kolb): Remember that you are sharing and reflecting on all readings and content, activity in the field, class experiences, guests, other activities, etc. Full reflective cycle including: What (the experience)? So, What? Now What? o Check out this website for more details of what to include: Also follow the criteria below. 5

6 Knowledge and understanding of course content and experiences Reactions and Feelings share your experience without any judgment or analysis Evaluation use value statements about the experience, value of it, usefulness, rightfulness or wrongfulness? Strengths and limitations Analysis - interpret and make meaning of the experience Make specific and general conclusions Organization of ideas Support details through literature and citations from the course reading, additional reading and other sources What is your main take-away and how will it affect your thinking and actions into the future. Use of APA guidelines for citations Assignment 2: Future Opportunities of Forensic Psychology Proposal (30%) (Group Project) Due Week 13, Friday August 11 th. Due: July 9: Submit a one-page concept paper for Assignment #2 (1)The group needs to present a summary and then (2) each group member needs to address the topic, why you are interested in the topic, how you plan to contribute to the group and the steps you will need to take to help move the project along. For this assignment, include the following: Identify an opportunity for or existing innovative application of forensic psychology that has the potential to make improvements to the criminal justice system. Create a recommendation and action steps to make this change locally within our criminal justice agencies. You will need to make connections with local agencies to collaborate and assess what exists in order to inform your proposal. You may even choose to co-create and use inclusive process. Your ideas/proposal will be presented to appropriate local stakeholders who you identify. Stories behind the assignment: 1. Justin Verette, Alum of JSC, had a unique role using psychology to support the Burlington police department. Read a profile on him here Sheriff Marcoux, Lamoille County Sheriff has identified ideas to share with you as well. Assignment/Proposal Components: Identify the population 6

7 Describe the problem/issue being addresses by your proposal (including the current status on the national and global level). Report data and specifics. Based your findings in the literature and use appropriate citations in APA style. Also, seek out first hand experience and knowledge about local criminal justice agencies related to your topic. How does forensic psychology intersect with this issue and how can it help improve the Criminal and Restorative justice systems. Identify what outcomes you want to address? What trend would you like to improve and what factors are contributing to the trend? Locally, who are the current partners, if any? What partnerships need to be created? What is your recommendation? Give supportive rationale from the literature. Include any best practices, etc. What is the potential impact? What steps need to be taken to make your plan happen locally? Could you envision yourself working on this issue and implementing your recommendation? Why or why not? What is your hope for how your recommendation might impact the fields of forensic psychology and criminal justice? What are the key strengths and skills needed to follow through with the type of work and role you recommended? Write a job description related to the opportunity you propose. Share with identified local relevant stakeholders and report on outcomes within your paper. Conclusions and any final reflections Additional #3 Assignment for a topic area of choice (10%) Look at the syllabus and sign up for which week you will share with the class (DUE WEEK TWO). (Sign up will be on Moodle) Choose 2 general topic areas from our class (7 topic areas are listed below). Per topic area of choice also choose one of the following (if you choose to complete more than 2 let me know and it will be for extra credit. You will present your assignment to the class (we can discuss the format you want to choose) 7

8 Pick a controversial topic related to the general area of forensic psychology we are studying and present your brief argument for and against (using references to back up what you say) Find a current event related to the general area of forensic psychology we are studying and present Identify a film or documentary to watch related to the general area of forensic psychology we are studying, discuss/present how the readings and other course content relate. Identify two peer-reviewed articles of choice related to the general area of forensic psychology we are studying and write the citation and annotation. maximum 150 words each ( see bottom of the to get started for details on what to write) Topic areas: 1. Introduction full details in syllabus 2. Policing and Investigations 3. Explore a topic race and how it intersects with forensic psychology, reflect on implicit bias scores/assessment and other questions as well as the film 13 th (can view on Netflix) 4. Restorative Justice, Law/Legal/Courts 5. Psychology of Crime and Delinquency (many different populations, including youth) 6. Victims and Victimology 7. Correctional Psychology, Probation and Parole 8

9 Here is another way to think about how this class will be structured: Per topic area of class: 1. Introduction full details in syllabus 2. Policing and Investigations 3. Explore a topic race and how it intersects with forensic psychology, reflect on implicit bias scores/assessment and other questions as well as the film 13 th (can view on Netflix) 4. Restorative Justice, Law/Legal/Courts 5. Psychology of Crime and Delinquency (many different populations, including youth) 6. Victims and Victimology 7. Correctional Psychology, Probation and Parole Read chapters assigned weekly from the text (and the recommended readings from the second text) Submit questions for a guest in the field and for the professor on the first day of a new topic area. Get out into the field! o This assignment is called Activity in the field Interview someone or visit an agency, observe a process, related to the general area of forensic psychology we are studying. (if you are stuck on this, ask your professor) o If interviewing someone in the field visit with them, learn about what they do, ask questions, bring the content to life, raise a controversial issue related to the topic for discuss, observe some aspect of the work), address any psychological issues raised. Complete reflection post (written or creative which still includes a shorter written piece) by the Friday before the new topic begins. Continue to reply to your partner as instructed above. In other words, the week of a new topic will begin after completing a reflection the previous topic on the Friday before. 9

10 Yet another way to think about how the class is structured by weekday. By Monday Start to dive into the new topic. Read, engage with content etc Submit questions for a guest in the field and for the professor in the first 2 days of a new topic area. Include psychological topics related to this line of work for the professional, stress, etc. Make sure you have something set to get out into the field for Activity in the field (if you are stuck on this, ask your professor)! Interview someone or visit an agency, observe a process, related to the general area of forensic psychology we are studying. By Tuesday: Respond to your partner s post. From last Friday By Thursday: Respond to the Tuesday post. By the Friday when your Reflection is due for this topic, make sure to post! See details for what is expected in your post. Include all the content and experiences you have had in relationship to the topic area. 10

11 Schedule of sessions, course readings and class preparation Week 1- May Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Ethics Introduce yourself to the class (There will be a discussion post of this) and the professor personally the best ways to contact you as well as anything you want her to know!) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology Read online about forensic psychology try to get a full understanding Fore exmpale: Chapter 1: Introduction, Bartol and Bartol, Introduction to Forensic Psychology Chapter 4: Bartol and Bartol Consulting and Testifying. (additional corresponding chapters in the recommended text). Skim the text. Skim the text and start to plan for experiential activities Complete if you have not registered before, you need to go to Register Now for first time users. Use your JSC and JSC password and then use the jsc88 as an access code. Post to forum questions about syllabus. (A discussion post will be added for this). Due by Friday, May 21 Assignment 2-1 (This is your first reflection post Reflection) Your partners will be assigned on Monday to reply to on Tuesday. Some questions to ponder and include in your reflection: What is forensic psychology in your own words? What do forensic psychologists do? What are ethics codes and why do we have them? Name some ethical issues related to forensic psychology that interest you. Think about the value of assessments and write your reflection of what it was like to take the assessment (type focus) and of the results. Week 2- May Police and Investigative Psychology o Psychology of Police and Public Safety Chapter 2 Bartol and Bartol (and recommended texts) Journal of Behavioral Profiling ( Skim the text and start to plan for experiential activities throughout the semester Do an Activity in the field for this topic by the end of next week. 11

12 Reply to posts from 1-1 We will form groups this week: Question Formulation technique by groups Partners will be assigned this Monday in order to post by Tuesday night. Recommended: Articles in Bartol and Bartol - Current perspectives on the topic Due- Sign ups for Additional #3 Assignment for a topic area of choice (10%) Sign up sheet will be on Moodle Week 3 May 29- June 4 Police and Investigative Psychology o Psychology of Investigations Chapter 3 Bartol and Bartol Criminal Profiling (How innocent people get convicted, why do they confess?) Make sure to have done an Activity in the field Schedule a time to meet/talk with Professor/Alison during Week 4 Recommended: Articles in Bartol and Bartol - Current perspectives on the topic Due Friday June 4 th : Assignment 1-2 Week 4 June 5-11 Psychology, Race and Criminal Justice Screening of the documentary 13 th watch on Netflix (let professor know if you can t) Project Implicit: Take the test on race and any others you are interested in : Additional readings TBD Questions: share an experience of recognizing your own race? Another experience when you recognized someone else s race. One thing that shuts down your awareness of racism? One thing that facilitates your own awareness of racism. Research racial profiling in criminal justice as well as Vermont State House Bill H. 492 on Racial Justice in Criminal Justice (will post more information on line) Post questions for guest 12

13 Activity in the field Have a meeting with Alison/Professor Reply to posts from 1-2 Due: Assignment Explore your own implicit bias (link to survey and other questions to address are above), reflect on the film 13 th and discuss how race intersects with forensic psychology. Find additional resources that relate to racial bias. Include other class articles and activities (Friday) Week 5 June Restorative Justice and Legal Psychology Chapters 4, 5 and 6 Bartol and Bartorl Recommended: Articles in Bartol and Bartol - Current perspectives on the topic Community Justice Network of Vermont Chapter on RJ in Restorative Justice Practical Applications Reply to posts from 1-3 Restorative Justice and Psychology: Restorative Justice : Watch a film based on the topic such as: 12 Angry Men or Runaway Jury, a film related to courtroom drama or watch A Beautiful Mind Find a court case of interest in with forensic psychology was a part of something controversial. Post questions for guest Activity in the field We will have a few activities that Alison will facilitate this week- Class will choose: Insanity defense: Based on assignment from Professor Fass, Miami Dade College: Activity: the roles include an angry kid; an intellectually disabled person; a college student with damage to the temporal lobe; someone with schizophrenia; and a college student who was drugged at a party. Students then discuss whether punitive or non-punitive action should be taken in each case, and whether or not their feelings have changed in regard to the insanity defense. Eye witness accuracy activity Dilemma of taking a plea bargain 13

14 Some other topics to address: forensic/expert witnesses and assessments, jury selection, evidence (memory and false memory), competency to stand trial confidentiality, implicit bias, mental health issues problem solving courts Due: Assignment 1-4 (Friday) Week 6 June Chapter 7, Criminal Psychology The Development of Delinquent and Criminal Behaviors Juveniles, youth Juvenile justice resources Post questions for guest Activity in the field sometime this week of next Draw a picture of a criminal Reply to posts from 1-4 Week 7 June 26-July 2 Criminal Psychology o Psychology of Violence and Intimidation o Psychology of Sexual Assault Before reading a chapter draw a criminal and upload on Moodle Read Chapters 8 and 9 Bartol and Bartol Recommended: Articles in Bartol and Bartol - Current perspectives on the topic Due Assignment 1-5 (Friday) Week 8 March July 3-July 9 Victimology and Victim Services, Parallel Justice and Restorative Justice Restorative Justice o Forensic Psychology and Victims of Crime and Other Wrongs o Family Violence and Child Victimization 14

15 Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services Chapter 10 Bartol and Bartol Parallel Justice by Susan Herman (a couple of chapters will be uploaded to Moodle) Restorative Justice and Psychology resources (see end of syllabus) Check out this website: Activity in the field Draw a picture of a criminal Reply to posts from 1-5 Watch the following video (below at very end of called Meeting with a Killer). If the link does't work (which it should), please google the title below. Let me know if you have any questions. Meeting with a Killer: One Family's Journey. Source: (-0001) VHS. New York: Superfine Films; Jackson Films, Inc. This documentary shows with all the emotions and tensions involved when Linda and Amy White meet with Gary Brown, the person who brutally murdered their daughter / mother. (distributor's description). ccvideo.mvcc.edu%2fapp%2fplugin%2fcss%2fensembleplugin.css&q= onid=no0t7hzkv0ezop1_7omeiw&contentid=ljxp71c3nkwl8m3wsxaiqw&pageindex=91&pag esize=10 Recommended: Articles in Bartol and Bartol - Current perspectives on the topic Due July 9: Submit a one-page concept paper for Assignment #2 The group needs to present a summary and then each group member needs to address the topic, why you are interested in the topic, how you plan to contribute to the group and the steps you will need to take to help move the project along. Week 9 July 10- July 16 Victimology and Victim Services 2 Chapter 11 Bartol and Bartol Make sure to do the activity in the field Recommended: Articles in Bartol and Bartol - Current perspectives on the topic Due: Assignment 1-6 (Friday) 15

16 Week 10 July 17-July 23 Correctional Psychology o Correctional Psychology in Adult Settings Draw someone in prison exercise Activity in the field Ask questions for guest from the field Reply to posts from 1-6 Chapter 12 Bartol and Bartol Kalief Browder was a teenager who killed himself after spending three years at Rikers Island for (not) stealing a backpack. His story is being told on Spike TV: (watch the full episodes) Here is a review: Recommended: Articles in Bartol and Bartol - Current perspectives on the topic Week 11 - July 24- July 30 Correctional Psychology 2 Correctional Psychology o Juvenile Justice and Corrections Activity in the field stress and prison on families and prison visits Corrections- The new mental health facility? Part 2- psychological impact of incarceration- School to prison pipeline: School to prison pipeline: s/school-to-prison-fact-sheet.ashx

17 Marshall Project video: In Vermont: Other Vermont info: Activity for this week will be facilitated by professor You are a psychologist in prison design a program.. what do you address how to you spend your budget Some students will take on other roles people who are incarcerated, superintendent, volunteer coordinator, corrections officers. Then add budget cut Chapter 13 Bartol and Bartol Due: 1-7 (Friday) Week 12 - July 31- Aug 6 Forensic Leisure Sciences D J Williams (2016): Mephitic projects: a forensic leisure science analysis of the BTK serial murders, The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, DOI: / (will be uploaded to Moodle) Reply to post 1-7 Due: Assignment 1-8/final reflection (Friday) Submit assignment to Professor- upload to Moodle Week 13 - Aug 7-Aug 13 Sharing: Future Opportunities of Forensic Psychology Due: Assignment #2 -Future Opportunities of Forensic Psychology Proposal By Friday August 11 th. Week 14 August Closing activities 17

18 Additional Resources: Journal of Forensic Psychology American Academy of Forensic Psychology Restorative Justice and Psychology: Restorative Justice : American Psychology-Law Society ( 18