HPS206 - Psychology in the Criminal Justice System

Unit details

Note: You are seeing the 2012 view of this unit information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Enrolment modes:(B, G)
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value: 0.125
Unit chair:

B Klettke (B)

Trimester 3 2012: L Satyen (B)

Contact hours: 3 hours per fortnight (1 x 2 hour lecture, 1 x 1 hour practical)

Note:

Online teaching methods require internet access. Please refer to the most current computer specifications.
This unit may not be included as a part of a 10 point accredited major sequence in psychology (as required for application for further study in psychology).

Content

This unit provides students with an overview of how psychology informs and assists the criminal justice system. It also provides students with an understanding of the various applied roles that psychologists play within the criminal justice system. The unit is divided into three parts. The first briefly reviews the ways that psychologists, psychological research and theory contribute to the functioning of the criminal justice system. The second part of the unit provides an overview of: (a) theories of offending and their application, (b) why people commit various violent and sexual crimes, and (c) ways of dealing with offenders based on psychological research. Finally, the unit describes how psychological research into legal decision making has contributed to the understanding and processing of alleged criminal behaviour.

Assessment

Examination (1.5 hours) 50%, assignment (1500 words) 20%, 3 self-directed learning exercises (500 words each 10%) 30%

Prescribed texts

Harrower, J. (2001). Psychology in practice: Crime. Sydney, Australia: Hachette Australia.

Unit Fee Information

Student Contribution Rate*Student Contribution Rate**Student Contribution Rate***Fee rate - Domestic Students Fee rate - International students
$706$706$706$2542$2714

* Student contribution rate for Commonwealth Supported students who commenced studies from 2010
** Student contribution rate for Commonwealth Supported students who commenced studies from 2009
*** Student contribution rate for Commonwealth Supported students who commenced studies from 2008
Please note: Unit fees listed do not apply to Deakin Prime students.