Spring 2024 - PSYC 379 D100
Clinical Forensic Psychology (3)
Class Number: 1640
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 19, 2024
Fri, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Madison Edge Almond
medge@sfu.ca
Office: RCB 5227
Office Hours: Fridays, 1:00 to 2:00 pm
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Prerequisites:
PSYC 201 and 268. PSYC 241 is recommended.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Clinical approaches to the understanding of behaviour in criminal and civil forensic settings. Topics related to the assessment, treatment, and management of people suffering from mental disorder.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the primary areas within clinical forensic psychology, with an emphasis on the assessment and management of violence risk in criminal and civil forensic settings. Specific topics that will be covered include the assessment of various forms of violence (e.g., physical violence, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking), major risk factors for violence (e.g., psychopathy), specialized approaches to assessment of violence (e.g., threat assessment), criminal responsibility and competency evaluations, treatments aimed to reduce violence, and diverse populations. This course generally focuses on issues related to psychology and the criminal justice system, although some issues related to civil law will be covered. An underlying theme throughout the course will be the importance of applying psychological principles and scientific reasoning to the intersection of law and clinical psychology. This course operates under the assumption that students have taken introductory courses in law and psychology.
Please note that this course will be taught in person (synchronously).
Grading
- Risk Assessment Worksheets: 5%
- In-Class Discussion Questions & Participation: 10%
- Risk Assessment Report: 25%
- Midterm Exam: 30%
- Final Exam: 30%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
There is no textbook required for this course. All required readings will be provided to students.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.