Bristol UWE - Module specification: CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY

University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Template revised October 2005)

Code: UPSNNC-30-2 Title: Criminal Psychology Version: 2

Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: SSH Field: Sociology

Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from: N/A

Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

On completion of the module students are expected to demonstrate:

1. Critical analysis of the spectrum of psychological theories of crime (Components A and B).

2. Critical analysis of the role of psychology in the criminal justice system (Components A and B).

3. Critical analysis of the psychology of offenders as well as potential/actual treatment responses (Components A and B).

4. Ability to work independently (Component B) and as part of a group (component A) towards the assessments.

Syllabus outline:

This module will examine psychological theories of, and responses to crime in contemporary society, and although Content may vary from year to year, but the module is expected to include:

- Introduction to the psychology of crime (incl. The birth and dynamics of Criminal psychology; Research methods within criminal psychology; The role of the criminal psychologist (guest lecture); Law and psychology).

- Psychological theories of crime (incl. Biological; Social & Developmental; Personality; Drugs).

- Investigative psychology: Psychology in the Criminal Justice system (incl. Offender profiling; Interviews; Eyewitness testimony; Jury decision making; Psychology in prison; Miscarriages of justice).

- Offences, offenders and responses (incl. Violent offenders; Domestic violence; Mentally disordered offender (psychopath); Serial killers; Stalkers; Sex offenders; Female offenders; Treatment, control and community protection)

Teaching and learning methods:

1. Lectures to provide an introduction to each subject area and outline the key theoretical debates.

2. Seminars providing structured discussion of contemporary issues relating to psychological theories of, and reactions to crime.

The lecture programme will be supported by use of Audio-visual resources.

Seminar support enhanced by use of electronic media such as Blackboard discussion groups, UWE Blackboard, email.

Reading Strategy:

Students will be required to read at least one book chapter or journal article to prepare for each lecture/seminar subject area. The students will given the details of the books and recommended journal articles and are expected to go to the library to obtain them themselves. The majority of the core readings will be placed on short loan in the library. As there is a strong element of student-led learning (through the case study), students will be expected to identify relevant sources for those topics they elect to study in more detail. They will therefore be encouraged to use the library catalogue, bibliographic and full text databases and internet resources.

Indicative Reading List:

The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.

Core texts

Blackburn, R. (1993). The Psychology of Criminal Conduct: Theory, Research & Practice. Chichester: Wiley.

McGuire, J. (2004). Understanding psychology and crime: Perspectives on theory and action. Open university press.

Alder, J. (2004). Forensic Psychology: Concepts, debates and practice. Willan publishers.

Supplementary texts

Howitt, D. (2002). Forensic and criminal psychology. Prentice hall.

Alison, L. J. (2005). The forensic psychologist's casebook : psychological profiling and criminal investigation. Willian publishing.

Maguire, M, Morgan, K and Reiner, R (2007). The Oxford handbook of criminology (4^th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Thompson, T. (2005). Sex Crime: Sex Offending and Society (2^nd Ed). Cullompton: Willam.

Bull, R & Carson, D (1995) Handbook of Psychology in Legal Contexts. Chichester: John Wiley

Huesmann, L. R. (2006). Aggressive Behavior: Current Perspectives. New York: Springer.

Journals

International journal of forensic psychology

Psychology, crime and the law

Legal and criminological psychology

British journal of psychology

British journal of criminology

Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology

Journal of Forensic psychiatry and psychology

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B A: 30% B: 70%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A (Controlled conditions)

Description of each element Element weighting 30%

1. Viva based on case study (15 minutes) 30%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting 70%

1. Case study (2,500 words) 40%

2. Essay (2,000 words) 30%

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)