CRJ325: Introduction to Forensic Psychology Credit Hours: 3 Contact Hours: This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend 10-25 hours per week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing papers, completing projects, and doing research. Course Description and Outcomes Course Description: This course addresses major areas of interest shared by psychology and law, including the use of psychological assessments in court, issues of criminal responsibility, criminal profiling, and the use of psychological knowledge in prisons. Students will apply knowledge of human behavior and thought processes to a variety of legal contexts covered in this course. Course Overview: In this course, you will examine the relationship among psychology, law and criminal justice exploring issues such as the death penalty, child abuse, sexual harassment, and investigative techniques. You will have the opportunity to work on two cases. In one case, you will prepare and submit a paper that discusses how forensic psychology is applied in the criminal justice system. In the second case, you will prepare a presentation on how forensic psychology has improved the criminal justice system identified in four specific areas. Course Learning Outcomes: 1. Examine the complex interrelationships among psychology, law, and criminal justice. 2. Identify the various roles, activities, and responsibilities of a forensic psychologist in the criminal and civil justice system. 3. Debate the ethical dilemmas that psychologists working in the criminal justice system are faced with. 4. Assess the impact of the empirical research by psychologists on the outcome of criminal and civil cases. 5. Discuss current prominent research areas and technology in the field of forensic psychology. 6. Understand the psychology of law enforcement personnel, witnesses of crime, victims, and offenders. Participation & Attendance
Prompt and consistent attendance in your online courses is essential for your success at CSU-Global Campus. Failure to verify your attendance within the first 7 days of this course may result in your withdrawal. If for some reason you would like to drop a course, please contact your advisor. Online classes have deadlines, assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget your time carefully and keep an open line of communication with your instructor. If you are having technical problems, problems with your assignments, or other problems that are impeding your progress, let your instructor know as soon as possible. Course Materials Textbook Information is located in the CSU-Global Booklist on the Student Portal. Course Schedule Due Dates The Academic Week at CSU-Global begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday. Discussion Boards: The original post must be completed by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. MT and Peer Responses posted by Sunday 11:59 p.m. MT. Late posts may not be awarded points. s: Take the opening exercise before reading each week s content to see which areas you will need to focus on. You may take these exercises as many times as you need. The opening exercises will not affect your final grade. s: Students may access and retake mastery exercises through the last day of class until they achieve the scores they desire. Critical Thinking: Assignments are due Sunday at 11:59 p.m. MT. Live Classroom: Although participation is not required, Live Classroom sessions are held during Week 2 and Weeks 5 or 6. There are two total sessions. Wee k # Readings Assignments 1 2 Chapters 1 & 2 in Forensic Psychology Henry, J. S. (2014). Promoting the study of wrongful convictions in criminal justice curricula. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 25(2), 236-251. doi:10.1080/10511253.2014.885070 Roesch, R., & Rogers, B. J. (2011). Review of 'The Cambridge handbook of forensic psychology'. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 52(3), 242-243. doi:10.1037/a0024805 Chapters 3 & 4 in Forensic Psychology Ginton, A. (2013). Decisions to be taken in the use of polygraph examinations for verifying complaints about violence: Analysis and policy recommendations. Journal of Investigative Psychology & Offender Profiling, 10(2), 166-181.doi:10.1002/jip.1390 Whitehouse, W. G., Orne, E. C., & Dinges, D. F. (2008). Eye witness memory: Can suggestion be minimized in the investigative interview?. (0 (10 (0 (10 Portfolio
3 4 5 6 7 Forensic Examiner, 17(4), 66-75. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=i3h&an=361569 74&site=ehost-live Chapters 10 & 11 in Forensic Psychology Wise, R. A., Sartori, G., Magnussen, S., Safer, M. A., Byk, D., & Hogan, E. (2014). An examination of the causes and solutions to eyewitness error. Frontiers In Psychiatry, Retrieved from http://journal.frontiersin.org/journal/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00102/abstract Steblay, N. K., Tix, R.W., & Benson, S.L. (2013). Double exposure: The effects of repeated identification lineups on eyewitness accuracy. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 27(5), 644-654. doi: 10.1002/acp.2944 Chapters 5, 7, & 12 in Forensic Psychology Pirelli, G., Zapf, P. A., & Gottdiener, W. H. (2011). Competency to stand trial research: Guidelines and future directions. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 22(3), 340-370. Mitchell, J. R., Hofstetter, J., & McLaughlin, C. A. (2012). Lessons from Lorax: Jury selection in difficult cases. FDCC Quarterly, 62(3), 254-262. Chapter 15 in Forensic Psychology Freedman, A. (2014). Mental retardation and the death penalty: The need for an international standard defining mental retardation. Northwest Journal of International Human Rights, 12(1), 1-21. Patry, M. W., & Penrod, S. D. (2013). Death penalty decisions: Instruction comprehension, attitudes, and decision Mediators. Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice, 13(3), 204-244. Chapters 8 & 9 in Forensic Psychology Hlavka, H., Olinger, S. D., & Lashley, J. L. (2010). The use of anatomical dolls as a demonstration aid in child sexual abuse interviews: A study of for forensic interviewers perceptions. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 19(5), 519-553. Steinberg, A., & Fromm, L. (2012). The use of narrative and persuasion in the child forensic psychiatric report and testimony. Journal of Psychiatry & Law, 40(1), 23-41. Chapters 13 & 14 in Forensic Psychology Leskinen, E. A., Cortina, L. M., & Kabat, D. B. (2011). Gender harassment: Deliverable (50 points towards the final Portfolio grade.) (0 (10 Critical Thinking (95 (0 (10 Critical Thinking (95 Live Classroom (0 (0 (10 Critical Thinking (90 (0 (10 Critical Thinking (90
8 Broadening our understanding of sex-based harassment at work. Law and Human Behavior, 35(1), 25-39. Strate, J. M., Jung, T. H., & Leidlein, J. (2009). Sexual harassment!: What s a local government manager to do?. Public Integrity 12(1), 61-75. Chapter 16 in Forensic Psychology Chiyo, F., Yusuke, F., Kumiko, A., Akiko, K., & Takayuki, O. (2014). Development of forensic mental health services in Japan: Working towards the reintegration of offenders with mental disorders. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 8(1), 1-21. Kearney, J. D., & Merrill, T. W. (2000). The influence of amicus curiae briefs on the Supreme Court. University of Pennsylvania Law Review, 148(3), 743. Mandracchia, J. T., Shaw, L. B., & Morgan, R. D. (2013). What s with the attitude? Changing attitudes about criminal justice issues. Criminal Justice & Behavior, 40(1), 95-113. doi:10.1177/0093854812459474 Wozniak, C. A. (2012). Amicus briefs: What have they done for courts lately? Florida Bar Journal, 86(6), 81-84. Retrieved from http://www.lexisnexis.com.csuglobal.idm.oclc.org/lnacui2api/api/versio n1/getdoccui?oc=00240&hnsd=f&hgn=t&lni=55tv-gwn0-00bt- 40JX&hns=t&perma=true&hv=t&hl=t&csi=270944%2C270077%2C1105 9%2C8411&secondRedirectIndicator=true Assignment Details This course includes the following assignments/projects: Module 1 Module 2 Portfolio Project Reminder (0 (0 (10 (0 (10 Portfolio (350 Begin early! Review the details of the Portfolio Project described in the Week 8 folder. Remember that there are two options for you to choose from, but you need to complete only one option. Note, too, that an outline of your Portfolio, along with references, is due in Week 2. The complete Portfolio Project is due the end of Week 8. Portfolio Project Milestone Option #1: Outline of Forensic Psychology Selected Topics (worth 50 points to final Project Score) Review Portfolio Project options 1 and 2. You need complete only one of the options, so select which option best suits your studies and goals. Submit a 2-page outline of your chosen project.
Module 3 Include the textbook as well as four additional sources as references. (Your sources should be in the form of recent textbooks and/or peer-reviewed journal articles.) Be sure to touch base with your instructor early in the week if you have any questions or concerns about this assignment. NOTE: Although you will not earn points in Week 2 for this deliverable, it is a required component of the Portfolio Project, and you will lose points on your final project grade if you fail to submit this assignment as required by the end of Week 2. See the Portfolio Project grading rubric in the Week 8 folder for details. Portfolio Project Milestone Option #2: Outline of Forensic Psychology Selected Topics (worth 50 points to final Project Score) Review Portfolio Project options 1 and 2. You need complete only one of the options, so select which option best suits your studies and goals. Submit a 2-page outline of your chosen project. Include the textbook as well as four additional sources as references. (Your sources should be in the form of recent textbooks and/or peer-reviewed journal articles.) Be sure to touch base with your instructor early in the week if you have any questions or concerns about this assignment. NOTE: Although you will not earn points in Week 2 for this deliverable, it is a required component of the Portfolio Project, and you will lose points on your final project grade if you fail to submit this assignment as required by the end of Week 2. See the Portfolio Project grading rubric in the Week 8 folder for details. Critical Thinking: (95 Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option #1: False Confessions False confessions are often believed to be the result of the use of torture or other extreme coercive tactics. The bottom line is that there will always be innocent people who confess to crimes that they did not commit. The purpose of this assignment is to determine both why this occurs and what can be done to limit false confessions. Write a 2- to 3-page (not counting the title and references pages, which you must include), analysis that addresses the following questions: 1. Name and describe three types of false confessions. 2. What is legal to ask during interrogations? 3. How can false confessions be minimized? Each question will form a section of the paper and labeled as such, e.g. Section One: Three Types of False Confessions, and so forth. Your paper must include at least three credible sources such as peer-reviewed articles, expert blogs, and the textbook. The databases in the CSU-Global Library are a good place to find these sources!
Module 4 Option #2: Eyewitness Testimony Eyewitness testimony in criminal cases is often thought to be reliable since the person actually witnessed the crime. This is not always the case. In Neil v. Biggers (1972) and Manson v. Braithwaite (1977) the U.S. Supreme Court established five factors that determined the reliability of identification by a witness. Write a 2- to 3-page (not counting the title and references pages, which you must include), paper identifying the five factors and then discuss why you agree or disagree that these factors are still relevant. Your paper must include at least three credible sources such as peer-reviewed articles, expert blogs, and the textbook. The databases in the CSU-Global Library are a good place to find these sources! Critical Thinking: (95 Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option #1: Using Rape Trauma Syndrome as a Defense Syndromes such as Rape Trauma Syndrome have been used a legal defense. In a 2- to 3-page (not counting the title and references pages, which you must include), paper, analyze how Rape Trauma Syndrome has fared in court as a legal defense. 1. To support your stance you must include two cases where Rape Trauma Syndrome was used as a defense. 2. Analyze the cases you chose, the specific facts of the case, and their outcomes to support your stance on the effectiveness of Rape Trauma Syndrome as a legal defense. 3. Be sure to describe how Rape Trauma Syndrome was used by the defense. Your paper must include at least two credible sources such as peer-reviewed articles, expert blogs, and the textbook. The databases in the CSU-Global Library are good places to find these sources! Provide a complete reference/citation for each of the two cases you have chosen. (See link, below, to CSU- Global Guide to Writing ) Option #2: Using Battered Woman Syndrome as a Defense Syndromes such as Battered Woman Syndrome have been used as a legal defense. In a 2- to 3-page paper (not counting the title and references pages, which you must include), analyze how Battered Woman Syndrome has fared in court as a legal defense. 1. To support your stance you must include two cases where Battered Woman Syndrome was used as a defense. 2. Analyze the cases you chose, the specific facts of the case, and their outcomes to support your stance on the effectiveness of Battered Woman Syndrome as a legal defense.
3. Be sure to describe how Battered Woman Syndrome was used by the defense. Your paper must include at least two credible sources such as peer-reviewed articles, expert blogs, and the textbook. The databases in the CSU-Global Library are good places to find these sources! Provide a complete reference/citation for each of the two cases you have chosen. (See link, below, to CSU-Global Guide to Writing ) Module 5 Critical Thinking: (90 Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option #1: For the Death Penalty The death penalty is likely the most controversial and debated sentence. In a 2- to 3-page (not counting the title and references pages, which you must include), paper, support your stance for the death penalty based on relevant case law, research on its effectiveness, public support, and your personal rationale. Your paper must include three credible sources (peer-reviewed articles, expert blogs, or the textbook, for example). The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources! Format your entire paper including references and citation according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing Option #2: Against the Death Penalty The death penalty is likely the most controversial and debated sentence. In a 2- to 3-page (not counting the title and references pages, which you must include), paper, support your stance against the death penalty based on relevant case law, research on its effectiveness, public support, and your personal rationale. Your paper must include three credible sources (peer-reviewed articles, expert blogs, or the textbook, for example). The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these sources! Module 6 Critical Thinking: (90 Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option 1: Forensic Interviewing in Child Sex Abuse Cases Forensic psychologists play an important role in child sex abuse investigations. When child sexual abuse is suspected, children are subjected to what is known as a forensic interview. In a 2- to 3-page paper (not counting the title and references pages, which you must include), analyze and explain the following:
Module 8 1. What is the significance of forensic interviewing in child abuse cases? 2. Why should it be used? 3. What are some ways to improve the forensic interviewing process? Support your argument and claims with at least two credible sources in addition to the textbook. These may be journal articles, expert blogs, or recent textbooks. Option 2: Children s Rights When Testifying Child victims of sexual abuse have not only endured the alleged abuse, but they may also have to go through and recount the details of this abuse at a trial and under cross-examination from a defense attorney. This can be a traumatic experience, especially since the offender will be in the courtroom. In a 2- to 3-page paper (not counting the title and references pages, which you must include), analyze and explain the following: 1. What impact does testifying have on child victims of sexual abuse? 2. Should child victims of sexual abuse be permitted to testify via CCTV? Why or why not? 3. Cite at least one disadvantage or issue with a child victim of sexual abuse testifying via CCTV. Support your argument and claims with at least two credible sources in addition to the textbook. These may be journal articles, expert blogs, or recent textbooks. and APA Requirements. Portfolio Project: (350 Points) Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option 1: Impact of Forensic Psychology Selected Topics During the course, you have learned about forensic psychology and the many areas that it is applied in the criminal justice system. As a final project for CRJ325, prepare and submit a scholarly paper that discusses how forensic psychology has improved the criminal justice system in each of the following areas: 1. Techniques of Criminal Investigation (Chapter 4) 2. Offender Risk Assessment (Chapter 6) 3. Improving Eyewitness Identification (Chapter 10) 4. Trial Consultation (Chapter 12) The paper is due at the end of week 8. Be sure your paper: Is formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements Is double-spaced Is 6-8 pages in length (not counting title and reference pages that you must include) Incorporates headings per APA guidelines. Includes a minimum of four current and credible sources, three of which must be peer-reviewed journal articles. Sources should be adequately chosen to provide substance and perspectives on the issue. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find these sources.
Week 2 Deliverable: An outline of your project is due in Week 2. Submit this outline to your instructor for review. Be sure to touch base with your instructor early in the week if you have any questions or concerns about this assignment. NOTE: Although you will not earn points in Week 2 for this deliverable, it is a required component of the Portfolio Project, and you will lose points on your final project grade if you fail to submit this assignment as required by the end of Week 2. See the Portfolio Project grading rubric for details. Option 2: Impact of Forensic Psychology Selected Topics During the course, you have learned about forensic psychology and the many areas that it is applied in the criminal justice system. As a final project for CRJ325, prepare and submit a persuasive presentation that discusses how forensic psychology has improved the criminal justice system in each of the following areas: 1. Insanity and Competency (Chapter 5) 2. Child Sex Abuse (Chapter 8) 3. Child Custody (Chapter 9) 4. Interrogations and Confessions (Chapter 11) The presentation is due at the end of week 8 and must: Be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing Be 20-25 slides in length (not counting the title and reference slides that you must include). Include speaker s notes containing 75-100 words per slide that elaborate on the visual/text content on the slide. Include graphics, multi-media, and other visual elements to enhance the presentation delivery. Include a minimum of four current and credible sources, three of which must be peer-review journal articles. Sources should provide substance and perspectives on the issue. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find these sources. Week 2 Deliverable: An outline of your project is due in Week 2. Submit this outline to your instructor for review. Be sure to touch base with your instructor early in the week if you have any questions or concerns about this assignment. NOTE: Although you will not earn points in Week 2 for this deliverable, it is a required component of the Portfolio Project, and you will lose points on your final project grade if you fail to submit this assignment as required by the end of Week 2. See the Portfolio Project grading rubric for details. Course Policies Course Grading 20% Discussion Participation 0% Opening Exercises Grading Scale and Policies A 95.0 100 A- 90.0 94.9 B+ 86.7 89.9
0% Live Classroom 8% Mastery Exercises 37% Critical Thinking Assignments 35% Final Portfolio Paper B 83.3 86.6 B- 80.0 83.2 C+ 75.0 79.9 C 70.0 74.9 D 60.0 69.9 F 59.9 or below In-Classroom Policies For information on late work and incomplete grade policies, please refer to our In-Classroom Student Policies and Guidelines or the Academic Catalog for comprehensive documentation of CSU-Global institutional policies. Academic Integrity Students must assume responsibility for maintaining honesty in all work submitted for credit and in any other work designated by the instructor of the course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, reusing /re-purposing your own work (see CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements for percentage of repurposed work that can be used in an assignment), unauthorized possession of academic materials, and unauthorized collaboration. The CSU-Global Library provides information on how students can avoid plagiarism by understanding what it is and how to use the Library and Internet resources. Citing Sources with APA Style All students are expected to follow the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements when citing in APA (based on the APA Style Manual, 6th edition) for all assignments. For details on CSU-Global APA style, please review the APA resources within the CSU-Global Library under the APA Guide & Resources link. A link to this document should also be provided within most assignment descriptions on your course s Assignments page. Disability Services Statement CSU Global is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability requesting academic accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Coordinator at 720-279-0650 and/or email ada@csuglobal.edu for additional information to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Netiquette Respect the diversity of opinions among the instructor and classmates and engage with them in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner. All posts and classroom communication must be conducted in accordance with the student code of conduct. Think before you push the Send button. Did you say just what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words? Maintain an environment free of harassment, stalking, threats, abuse, insults or humiliation toward the instructor and classmates. This includes, but is not limited to, demeaning written or oral comments of an ethnic, religious, age, disability, sexist (or sexual orientation), or racist nature; and the unwanted sexual advances or intimidations by email, or on discussion boards and other postings within or connected to the online classroom. If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.