Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - PSYC 268 B100

Introduction to Law and Psychology (3)

Class Number: 3756

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Jun 19, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 11 – Jun 19, 2026: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Jun 23, 2026
    Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Ryan Fitzgerald
    rjfitzge@sfu.ca
    Office: RCB 7323
    Office Hours: Mondays, 2:30pm — 3:30pm

  • 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 a survey of issues in Psychology and Law. Topics include eyewitness testimony, suspect confessions, forensic science, correctional psychology, and forensic risk assessment.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

(a) to learn the key issues in Psychology and Law;
(b) to learn the methods of psychology that are applied to legal issues.

Grading

  • Quizzes: 20%
  • Mid-Term Exam: 40%
  • Final Exam: 40%

NOTES:

PREREQUISITES: PSYC 102.
PREREQUISITE WAIVERS: No prerequisite waivers are accepted for this course.
WAITLIST POLICY: This course uses standard departmental waitlist policies (see the Undergraduate FAQ).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for this course.  Required reading materials will be assigned in class.

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.