Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PSYC 476 D200

Advanced Topics in Law and Forensic Psychology (4)

Forensic Evaluation in Context

Class Number: 6848

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Alicia Nijdam-Jones
    ahn@sfu.ca
    Office: TBD
    Office Hours: By appointment

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201, 210, 268, 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0. 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:

Course title: Forensic Evaluation in Context: Identity, Culture, and Systems of Power

This seminar examines how identity, culture, and systemic inequities shape forensic evaluation, services, and practices across legal and clinical settings. Students will explore how intersecting aspects of identity and structural inequities influence assessment practices, interpretations, and outcomes in criminal, civil, immigration, and child welfare contexts. The course challenges assumptions of neutrality in forensic practice, drawing on case material, applied research, and critical frameworks to support culturally responsive and ethically grounded approaches to evaluation, decision-making, and the broader field of psychology and law.

Grading

  • Seminar Attendance & Engagement (Self-Assessment): 15%
  • Weekly Preparation & Reflection: 10%
  • Seminar Facilitation (Team Project): 25%
  • Paper Proposal: 10%
  • Peer Feedback on Drafts: 5%
  • Final Paper & Presentation: 35%

NOTES:

No final exam. Includes peer facilitation, reflective participation, and a final scholarly paper analyzing an aspect of forensic evaluation through the lens of identity, culture, and systemic bias.

REQUIREMENTS:

Prerequisites: PSYC 201, 268, 300W, 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0.

No prerequisite waivers for this course.

Materials

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

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.