Forensic Psychology. Course Information and Purpose

Transcription

1 Forensic Psychology Semester: FA16 Location: Stockholm Academic Program: Psychology Credits: 3 Study Tour: Scotland Days: Mondays & Thursdays (tentative) Time: (tentative) Room #: TBA Faculty Member: Meiling Liu Major Disciplines: Psychology, Neuroscience, Child Development Course Information and Purpose 1. Instructor Information: Instructor: Meiling Liu Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology (China University of Political Science and Law, 2010). Post Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (Gothenburg University, 2012). Worked as an organizational consultant in areas of leadership and cross-cultural competence training in Sweden. Also has worked as a teacher and researcher at universities in China, and was promoted to the position of associate professor in China. With DIS since Psychology Program Director: Carla Caetano, Ph.D. cca@dis.dk DIS Contact: Academic Assistant: TBA TBA Phone: TBA Guest Lecturer(s): TBA Possible topics could include: Practicing psychologists working in the field of forensic psychology will be invited to share their experiences of pertinent issues in the Swedish context. Researchers addressing key issues pertaining to the Swedish legal system may also be invited. Forensic Psychology l Psychology Program l DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia l Course #TBA 1

2 2. Course Description: Prerequisite: A psychology course at the university level. What makes people commit crime? Are there gender differences? What is the role of perception? How are assessments and interventions conducted with those convicted of a serious crime, or those who have been the victim of a crime? Forensic psychology will be explored from individual to societal levels, with critical analysis of and examples from a European perspective. Selected topics: Cognitive, emotional, social, and neuropsychological approaches to the nature and treatment of criminal behavior. 3. Objectives: Learning objectives for the course: (selected) 1. To describe key psychological factors associated with criminal behavior. 2. To contrast theories and consider cultural differences in explaining criminal. 3. To apply theory and research to the assessment, prevention and treatment of criminals and victims of crime. Course Components 1. Required Textbook (Available in DIS Library): Selected chapters from texts such as: Bartol, C. R. & Bartol, A. M. (2008). Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Research and Application. London: Sage. Granhag, P. A. (Ed) (2010). Forensic Psychology in Context: Nordic and International Approaches. London: Routledge. 2. Required Articles and Other Media on Blackboard: European and US articles such as: Tittle, C. (2012) Social Learning, Reinforcement and Crime: Evidence from Three European Cities in: Social Forces 90 (3) pp Yourstone et al. (2008). Evidence of Gender Bias in Legal Insanity Evaluations: a Case Vignette Study of Clinicians, Judges and Students. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 62: Approach to Teaching: A variety of teaching methods will be used, including lectures, class discussions, group presentations, interactive classroom activities and multi-media to facilitate the understanding of theory, research and their cultural implications. Psychological applications will be explored using case examples. Forensic Psychology l Psychology Program l DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia l Course #TBA 2

3 4. Class Representatives: Each semester DIS looks for class representatives to become an official spokesperson for their class group, addressing any concerns that may arise (in academic or related matters), suggesting improvements and coming up with new ideas. Class representatives are a great way for DIS faculty to ensure better and timelier feedback on their courses, assessments and teaching styles, and as such perform an invaluable role in connecting student needs with faculty instruction during term time. Class Representatives will be elected in class at the beginning of the semester. 5. Field Studies (Examples): Academic field studies are a fully integrated component of an academic course and typically consists of two field studies within the Stockholm area. The purpose of field studies is to integrate classroom learning with real life application. Given our topics in this course, some possible field studies could be: PSYCOM Project/Center for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska Insitute Date: TBA Time: TBA Meeting Place: TBA Topic: Understanding the how neurological research in personality disorders cane be linked to community. Objective: The project aims to explore associations between psychopathic personality traits e.g. deficient impulse control, stress immunity and lack of empathy and guilt) and deviant behaviours in different community groups. The deviant behaviours include intimate partner violence and substance abuse. The PSYCOM project also aims to understand how different neighborhood factors e.g. degree of graffiti, vandalization, deteriorated buildings, intoxicated people, but also social organization and trust between neighbors affect health-related aspects, violent behavior as well as perceptions of safety. Description: We will visit the Center for Psychiatric Research at the Karolinska Institute, were one of their forensic psychiatrist will tell us about the multidisciplinary PSYCOMproject ( Psychopathic traits in community groups ). Norrtälje Prison Date: TBA Time: TBA Meeting Place: TBA Topic: ADHD and social care: special wards for special needs Objective: Learn about how specific diagnoses and disorders calls for specialized forms of treatment, and how the Swedish prison system has provided unparalleled outcome measures on treating long term prisoners with ADHD. Description: Previous studies have suggested ADHD to be present among 40% of adult male longer-term prison inmates (Ginsberg et al. 2010). Since 2005 the Norrtälje prison outside Stockholm has since been screening over 250 of the inmates for ADHD, and if the prisoner got the diagnosis, the person was placed in a special ward where the Forensic Psychology l Psychology Program l DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia l Course #TBA 3

4 prisoners received their medication and special social care. It has provided unprecedented good results with regard to the individual prisoners' rehabilitation after serving his sentence. For our field study we will go to the prison and meet one of the psychologists responsible for the project to hear more about the daily life on the ADHD ward and how the social interventions have helped the prisoners manage their disorder. The visit will include discussions of cases from the prison; make us think about when one can be held responsible and how a focus on punishment and a sense of justice can be balanced with social responsibly and a focus on rehabilitation and crime prevention. 6.General Information: Core Course Week and Study Tours Core Course week and study tours are an integral part of the core course as we take the classroom on the road and see how theory presented in the classroom is translated to practice in the field. You will travel with your classmates and DIS faculty/staff on two study tours; a short study tour during Core Course Week and a long study tour to a relevant European destination. Expectations for study tours: Participate in all activities Engage in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to achieving the learning objectives Respect the destination, the speakers, DIS staff, and your fellow classmates Represent yourself, your home university and DIS in a positive light While on a program study tour DIS will provide hostel/hotel accommodation, transportation to/from the destination(s), approx. 2 meals per day and entrances, guides, and visits relevant to your area of study or the destination. You will receive a more detailed itinerary prior to departure. Forensic Psychology Core Course Week with Short Study Tour: Gothenburg Dates: Monday, September 12 th Saturday, September 17 th Themes: TBA Purpose: This study tour provides you with the opportunity to explore the field of Forensic psychology and various practices in Sweden. Academic visits on tour will include meeting with psychological consultants and visiting various institutions working in the field of forensic psychology. In addition to the academic activities on study tour, the study tour program is supplemented with cultural visits and events. In the past, cultural visits have included touring castles, museum visits, and experiencing traditional Swedish food at local restaurants. Forensic Psychology l Psychology Program l DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia l Course #TBA 4

5 CORE COURSE WEEK (SHORT STUDY TOUR) Gothenburg Dates: Monday, September 12 th Wednesday, September 14 th OR Thursday, September 15 th Saturday, September 17 th Theme: TBA Please note that this program has NOT been finalized and you may expect changes in the program Possible visits could be: Visit to an organization that collaborates with a numerous of professionals for example psychologists, the police and layers to investigate, determine and support children who may have faced a traumatic experience Meet leading researchers from The Research unit for Criminal, Legal and Investigative Psychology (CLIP) Visit to an organization that works closely with police and other agencies to support and assist people who have been trafficked for sexual purposes. More information about this tour will follow later Forensic Psychology Long Study Tour Edinburgh/Glasgow Dates: TBA Themes: TBA Purpose: On the tour to Scotland, you will be able to explore the field of forensic psychology by meeting with psychologists, police officers, people representing the justice system as well as organizations working in the field. The tour will also allow you to explore the culture of the county more thoroughly by attending performances and visiting museum exhibitions. LONG STUDY TOUR: Edinburgh/Glasgow, Scotland Dates: TBA Theme: TBA Please note that this program has NOT been finalized and you may expect changes in the program Possible visits could be: Visit with female offenders rehabilitations programs Forensic Psychology l Psychology Program l DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia l Course #TBA 5

6 Meet leading scholars in Forensic Psychology in Scotland Study the cognitive behavioral therapy program The Good Life, a strengths-based approach to offender rehabilitation and see how it differs from traditional risk management approach Visit with leading consultants in expert witnessing in criminal proceedings More information about this tour will follow later Assignments and Evaluation Detailed assignment descriptions and/or rubrics will be made available on Blackboard and/or in class. Methods of Evaluation How evaluated Due Date Percentage of grade Engaged Participation Individual Ongoing 10% Study Tour Assignment & Presentation (1 for short tour, 1 for long tour) Group TBA 25% total Two Tests (during the semester) Individual TBA 30% total Research Paper Individual TBA 20% Final Poster Presentation Group TBA 15% Total 100% Evaluation: A number of diverse tasks will be given throughout the semester to address learning objectives. Emphasis will be on engaged participation, and may include individual and/or group based written/oral tasks. Projects may be given that will explore topics experientially. Forensic Psychology l Psychology Program l DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia l Course #TBA 6

7 Engaged Participation (10%): Participation in class requires arriving on time and being prepared in relation to readings and other assignments. Your participation grade reflects the importance of being active in this course, which relies in great part on the reflections, discussions, and exercises in class. Active participation is essential in both the classroom, on study tours, and in group work. Furthermore, attendance is mandatory. Study Tour Assignment and Presentation (25% - 10% SST and 15% for LST): Due: TBA Each group will each create a visual product (e.g. slideshow, video, collage, photo exhibition) and a 15-minute class presentation based on the long study tour. The subject of the presentation will be related to key theoretical /research issues in Forensic Psychology as exemplified by the various academic visits on tour. Tests (30%- 15% each): Date (Test 1): TBA Date (Test 2): TBA There will be 2 short answer tests during the semester, focusing on key constructs, theoretical perspectives and research findings. Critical Analysis: Theory/Research Paper (20%): Due: TBA A topic of choice pertaining to the class will be explored. This will be conducted in the framework of a problem formulation. The focus will be on exploring why this is a problem, what possible solutions have been considered (with supporting theory/research) and reflections on Scandinavian/European considerations. Final Poster Presentation (15%): Due: TBA Each group will demonstrate via this assignment a key area explored within this class. Emphasis will be on defining current status in Scandinavia/Europe, research findings, challenges and future directions. Handouts for this presentation will include a relevant reference/resource list. To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work. Disability and Resource Statement: Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Sean Green (sgr@dis.dk) to coordinate this. In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes. Forensic Psychology l Psychology Program l DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia l Course #TBA 7

8 Policies Attendance: You are expected to attend all DIS classes when scheduled. If you miss a class for any reason please contact the faculty no later than the day of the missed class. If you miss multiple classes, the Office of Academic Support and the Director of Student Affairs will be notified and they will follow-up with you to make sure that all is well. Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS. Allowances will be made in cases of illness, but in the case of multiple absences you will need to provide a doctor s note. Academic Honesty, Plagiarism, and Violating the Rules of an Assignment: DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others. Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of F and can result in dismissal. The students home universities will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software. See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions. Policy on Late Papers: There will be a grade deduction of half a letter grade for each day the assignment is late. Policy for Students Who Arrive Late to Class: Participation grade will be reduced by half a letter grade for every 2 late arrivals. Use of Laptops or Phones in Class: Only permissible for class related activities. Weekly Course Schedule TBA Forensic Psychology l Psychology Program l DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia l Course #TBA 8