Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - PSYC 268 D100

Introduction to Law and Psychology (3)

Class Number: 6083

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 24, 2023
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 102.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the area of law and psychology. The role and influence of psychology in the legal system will be discussed. Topics include: social psychology and law, developmental psychology and law, juvenile justice, experimental psychology and law, mental disability and law.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course gives an up-to-date survey of law and psychology, also known as forensic psychology. The primary focus will be on issues related to psychology and criminal law, including eyewitness testimony, police interrogations and confessions, forensic science, forensic assessment, and correctional psychology.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Course objectives are to introduce students to (a) basic issues in law and psychology; and (b) the application of theory and methods from clinical and experimental psychology to various legal issues.

Grading

  • Thought Papers: 20%
  • Mid-Term Exam: 35%
  • Final Exam: 45%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Costanzo, M. and Krauss, D. (2021). Forensic and Legal Psychology (4th ed). MacMillan Learning.
ISBN: 9781319244880

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