This course examines the criminal mind from a psychological perspective by addressing the various theories presented by criminology and forensic psychology perspectives. Students gain an understanding and insight into the relationship between psychology and crime by considering the psychosocial dimensions of antisocial behavior. This course also provide an overview of how forensic psychologists use their knowledge of human behavior and motivations as consultants in criminal investigations and the judicial arena.
The course is intended to be both an introduction and an intensification of topics covered in other courses with deeper focus on psychopathy and sociopathy in forensic populations.
Students examine contemporary views and theories via case study analysis of maladaptive and criminal behavior, victimology and victim-offender relationships. Through collaborative coursework, students work together to address serviceable elements associated to the mission realm of forensic psychology and criminal justice. There are activities, assessments, and tasks that address the appropriate modalities to incorporate in comprehending antisocial behavioral characteristics and thought processes exhibited by offenders.
This course is designed to address the importance in understanding the criminal mind and the art of identifying trait behaviors therein. Students are guided and grounded by biblical principles when discerning criminally minded behaviors and crime typologies.
This course provides students with the opportunity to master purpose, objectivity, patience and dedication within the process of understanding the criminal mind. The focus centers upon applying the technique of forensic psychological assessment and discernment to ensure all measures of explanation for offending behaviors are dutifully explored.
This course provides students with the opportunity to investigate psychological theoretical frameworks that serve as explanatory foundations for traits and behaviors exhibited by persons with a criminal mind.
The culture of understanding the criminal mind centers upon the notion that behavior is fluid and dynamic in nature, but also contributed to by various biological, sociological and psychological factors. Students are exposed to specific offender groups, both violent and non-violent, including psychopaths, serial and mass murderers, arsonists, white-collar thieves, scam artists, domestic terrorists, juvenile offenders and others.
This course serves to allow students the ability to apply forensic psychology and criminology concepts as a means of both understanding and explaining the thoughts and behaviors of criminally-minded persons within the community.
This course provides students with the opportunity to assess the nature of criminal thinking and crime. Students also research and examine various case studies and assess risk factors for correlates of criminal behavior.
