Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PSYC 391 D300

Selected Topics in Psychology (3)

Stalking and Partner Violence

Class Number: 6015

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introduction to the subjects of stalking (criminal harassment) and intimate partner violence from legal, clinical, and experimental perspectives.

This course will be split into two sections, with the first half focusing on intimate partner violence (IPV), and the second focusing on stalking. Students will be provided with an overview of both issues, an in-depth look into how and why these criminal acts manifest in different contexts, as well as an exploration of how these issues are handled by the law and by clinical psychologists.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Lectures:
Nature of Violence & IPV, Theories & Etiologies of IPV, Victim Impact & Safety, Intersectionality & IPV, Risk Assessment & Treatment
Nature of Stalking, Causes & Typologies of Stalking, Cyberstalking, Risk Assessment & Treatment, Stalking Victimization

Grading

  • Participation: 10%
  • Mid-Term Exam: 30%
  • Writing Assignments: 30%
  • Final Exam: 30%

NOTES:

WAITLIST POLICY: This course uses standard departmental waitlist policies (see the Undergraduate FAQ).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required text for this course. Students will be provided with weekly readings throughout the semester via Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.