Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PSYC 990 G100

Seminar in Law and Psychology (3)

Class Number: 6174

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 790 or PSYC 791.

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Prior to the end of the 20th century, children were functionally barred from testifying as witnesses in criminal court. When it was possible to prosecute to conviction cases involving young children, research on how to support them began with earnest. We have learned a lot about how to interview children to maximize the accuracy and completeness of their reports. In this course, we will look at broad principles of forensic interviewing with children from the time an allegation is made to the close of the forensic interview.  

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After taking this course you will be able to critically evaluate a forensic interview with a young child and consider the effect of the strategies used in the interview on the accuracy and completeness of the child’s report.

Grading

  • Participation: 10%
  • Thought Papers: 10%
  • Presentation: 35%
  • Question on student presentations: 5%
  • Final Paper: 40%
  • Completion of the term paper and presentation are mandatory. Failure to complete either will result in an N in the course.

NOTES:

Pending further research, there may be a mandatory $50 cost for students to take an online introductory course on child forensic interviewing provided by a professional training firm.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There will be no required textbook for this course.  

Reading list will be provided.  Most articles are available through our library.  Articles that are not available will be provided to you.

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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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.