Psychology of Corrections

Course Description: This course focuses upon the application and practice of psychology in the  criminal justice system with the following topics examined: research, police and investigative psychology, witness testimony, violent offenders and special offender populations, sentencing, institutionalization, risk assessment and prediction.

Objectives: Through this course, students should: 1) obtain a good understanding of the knowledge, concepts, and principles in forensic psychology, 2) improve their ability to critically assess the psychological and research methods, 3) obtain a good understanding of the psychological controversies and ethical dilemmas in criminal justice, 4) understand risk assessment and prediction.