St. Thomas Aquinas CollegeFall 2016, Mondays, 5:35-8:20PM – Maguire Hall G10

Introduction to Forensic Psychology – PSYC/CJ 230XZ

Professor Jonathan J. Marsh, MAE-mail: jmarsh@stac.edu (preferred communication)

Office hours: By appointment – contact Professor Marsh (jmarsh@stac.edu)

Required Reading:Bartol, C. & Bartol, A. (2014). Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Research and Application. Thousand

Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.Optional Reading:Kates, A.R. (2008). CopShock: Surviving posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Holbrook Street Press. Additional readings will be assigned throughout the semester.

Course description:This course in Forensic Psychology is intended to be an integral part of the College’s mission to graduate individuals “who will be critical thinkers and effective communicators, who welcome diversity and take a reasoned approach to all issues.” The content of the course speaks to some of the most fundamental issues of our or any time. It directs students’ attention to the strengths and frailties of human nature, to the best and worst of human behavior, and to our society’s attempts, vigorous and feeble, successful and unsuccessful, to achieve justice.

Objectives: Students will grasp the broad scope of forensic psychology – clinical, theoretical, and experimental – and the ethical principles upon which forensic mental health practice is based. As intersections in law, mental health, and empirical research are explored, students will develop an advanced understanding of the evolution and present relationship between psychology and the legal system. Students will also become familiarized with diagnostic issues, pertinent forensic assessment instruments, cite landmark cases and case laws, and will demonstrate the ability to explain the differences between psychology and law by conducting relevant academic research and writing. Additionally, a primary objective in this course is to learn to study and analyze psychological research and theories. By meeting these objectives, students will be strongly equipped to explore other areas of psychological study in the future.

Course Requirements:Mid-Term Exam 30%Topic Paper: 15%Presentation 15%Final Exam 30%Class Participation 10%

Grading. The course adheres to the new grading policy of St. Thomas Aquinas College: A (95-100); A- (90-94); B+ (87-89); B (83-86); B- (80-82); C+ (77-79); C (73-76); C- (70-72); D (65-69); F (64 or lower).

Midterm and Final: Covers questions related to the assigned text, additional readings, and class lectures.

Topic Paper: Utilizes empirical research to explain a psycho-legal case (5-7 pages). Guidelines will be provided.

Participation: Students are expected to actively engage in classroom discussions, assignments, and activities.

Presentation: Students are required to give a 10-15 minute group presentation on a forensic psychological topic. Guidelines will be provided.

Attendance: Attendance at all classes is required. However, in the event that a student should be unable to attend class, notification should be provided to the professor no less than 24 hours before class. Students are responsible to obtain missed class notes from classmates. A student who accumulates two or more absences over the course of the semester will be given a deduction to her/his final grade.

Academic IntegrityAcademic integrity, commitment to honesty, fairness, respect, and responsibility, is the foundation of the learning process. All members of the St. Thomas Aquinas College community are held to the highest standards of academic honesty. While we recognize the participatory nature of education, we take academic integrity very seriously, and the College policy on academic dishonesty details consequences that can include dismissal from the College. The policy can be found in both the Student Handbook and the College Catalog.As a student in this class, you must demonstrate your commitment to academic integrity by submitting work that originates in your own thinking and imagination, your ability to analyze and evaluate information, and your own knowledge, that you have done yourself, and that represents your very best efforts. When appropriate. You work should be supplemented and

supported by other sources; however, you must always ensure that these sources are properly cited using the recommended documentation system.

Academic DisabilityStudents requiring accommodations for a documented disability should notify the professor by the first week of class.

College Policy on Electronic Devices in the Classroom Students are not to use any electronic device at any time without the expressed consent of the professor. This policy covers cell phones, laptop computers, or any other device the use of which constitutes a distraction to the professor or to the other students in the class, as determined by the professor. Students with documented disabilities that require the use of a laptop in class may use them after informing their professor. When a professor designates a time during which laptop computers may be used, they are only to be used at the discretion of the faculty member and in accordance with the mission of the college; visiting sites which the professor deems to be inappropriate to the needs of the class is forbidden.Professors have the latitude to develop specific and reasonable policies to deal with violations of these general policies as they see fit. For more extreme cases of classroom disruption, see the College's Disruptive Student Policy.

Reporting Requirements

Students should be aware that faculty members are required to report certain information to the STAC’s Title IX Officer. If you inform me or I witness sexual misconduct which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, or any gender-based discrimination, I will keep the information as private as I can, but I am required to bring it to the attention of STAC’s Title IX Officer. Students should also be aware that disclosing such experiences in course assignments does NOT put the college on notice and will NOT begin the process of STAC providing assistance or response to those possible offenses. If you would like to talk to the Title IX Officer directly, you can contact Pat Pacchiana at ppacchia@stac.edu or call 845-398-4044. Additionally, you can also report incidents or complaints to campus security 845-398-4080. You can also find more information at www.stac.edu/titleix.If you would like to report a concern confidentially to a confidential counseling resource, you may speak to the following people:

Ms. Eileen Mastrovito, RNDirector Health Services845.398.4242

Dr. Lou Muggeo

Director Counseling & Psychological Services845.398.4174

Rabbi Daniel PernickCampus Minister845.398.4063

Center for Safety and Changehttp://centerforsafetyandchange.org845.634.33449 Johnsons Lane, New City, NY 10956

***Please note:

Forensic Psychology covers topics that are sensitive, disheartening, and can be distressing to some. If you feel that the content in this course is causing you any harm or upsetting you in any way, please

consult with the instructor immediately.***

The course schedule is tentative by week. Assigned readings are to be read by the assigned date. Hand-in assignments will be

announced with ample notice. Additional readings will be assigned with ample notice.

Date Topic

Textbook

Chapter

Additional Reading/ Assignments

September 12

Introduction to

Forensic Psychology

1

September 19

Law / Legal Process & Legal Reasoning

2

September 26

Expert Testimony 3

October 3 Mental Illness, Insult & Injury

October 10 COLOMBUS DAY – NO CLASS

October 17 Criminal Responsibility & Competence

4 & 5

October 24 Eyewitness Testimony/Research

False Confession Testimony/Research

October 31MID-TERM

November 7 Forensic Treatment

Correctional Psychology

Violence Risk Assessment

7 & 8 Presentations begin.

November 14

Criminal Profiling

November 21

Civil Forensic Assessment 10

November 28

Psychopathy and Criminal Thinking PAPER DUE

December 5 Juveniles in the Legal System 15

December 12

Special topics in Forensic Psychology

Final Preparation

December 19

FINAL EXAM