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This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of forensic psychology, including the potential role of Psychology graduates in the criminal justice system. There will be a particular emphasis on the contribution that psychological inquiry and practice can make in efforts to: - Understand the causes of antisocial behavior, including developmental processes - Develop and evaluate effective psychological interventions for antisocial behaviour - Predict who is likely to reoffend - Detect and investigate crime - Understand the "process" or "cycle" of offending in the lives of repeat offenders There is a laboratory component that will give you an understanding of how the theoretical components of the course are applied in real-world settings. Some of these labs will be delivered by guest lecturers working on the "frontline" of these efforts to reduce the harm cause by antisocial behaviour in New Zealand.
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of forensic psychology, including the potential role of Psychology graduates in the criminal justice system. There will be a particular emphasis on the contribution that psychological inquiry and practice can make in efforts to:• Understand the causes of antisocial behavior, including developmental processes• Develop and evaluate effective psychological interventions for antisocial behaviour• Predict who is likely to reoffend• Detect and investigate crime• Understand the “process” or “cycle” of offending in the lives of repeat offenders
Demonstrate their understanding of modern psychological theories about the aetiology of offending, both in general and for specific types of offending, and from different worldviews.Demonstrate their understanding of psychological and cultural factors and processes that impact on criminal investigations and trials.Compare and contrast the effectiveness of different approaches and models for offending prevention and rehabilitation, including kaupapa Māori models of prevention and rehabilitation.Identify the factors that influence the appropriate collection and use of forensic-related data in research and practice, and the moral and cultural considerations involving the use of such data.Use their understanding of forensic psychology research methods to summarise forensic psychology literature on a given topic.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
PSYC206 or 60 points at 200 level from Schedules C or E of the Bachelor of Criminal Justice.
Jacinta Cording
Bonta, James , Andrews, D. A., Andrews, D. A; The psychology of criminal conduct ; Sixth edition; Routledge, 2017.
Howitt, Dennis; Introduction to forensic and criminal psychology ; 6th Edition; Pearson, 2018.
Domestic fee $877.00
International fee $4,438.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing .