Psychology of Criminal Conduct

Course Code

PSYC 3001

Academic Year

2016-2017

Students examine the major issues associated with the psychology of criminal conduct. Specific focus is placed on social learning and cognitive-behavioural perspectives of crime, risk assessment and effective correctional interventions, with a particular focus on understanding individual differences in criminal conduct and recognizing the importance of personal, interpersonal and community factors. This course relies on an interdisciplinary framework of general personality and social psychology of criminal behaviour that is open to a variety of factors that relate to individual differences - both theoretical and practical. Through a combination of interactive lecture, guest speakers, multimedia and small group presentations, students have an opportunity to review and critique relevant literature and controversial topics in the management of this group of offenders. Case study examples are used to illustrate various scenarios in theory and practice.