Module: PSY5112-20 Psychology and Social Justice

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor:  Kate Muir

Module Tutor Contact Details: k.muir@bathspa.ac.uk 

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to forensic psychology, focussing on types of crime, offenders and victims.  The introductory course will familiarise you with major theories and theorists, and the methods used by forensic psychologists. You will have an opportunity to try to answer the questions: Why do people commit crimes? You will have an opportunity to learn about psychopathy, sexual offenders, crimes committed by those with mental health or intellectual problems.  You will have an opportunity to learn to build an evidenced critical appraisal - a crucial aspect of a career in forensic or any applied psychology discipline.

2. Outline syllabus

The following topics will be considered: 

• What is forensic and criminal psychology

• Mental disorders and Crime

• Victims of crime

• Theories of crime

• Violent offenders

• Sexual offenders

• Terrorism

• Criminal Justice and offender rehabilitation

3. Teaching and learning activities

The module will consist of two hour weekly lectures and a 2-hour weekly seminar or practical class. Lectures will introduce the core topics and provide a framework to the module, and for the rest of the degree. Lectures will be supported by seminars which will be a mix of tutor and student led discussions, practical work and presentations. These flexible sessions will allow in-depth exploration of the topics introduced in the lectures, further discussion and reflection and the opportunity to gain experience and develop materials for the assessments.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio Group presentation (2000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio  Information Leaflets on Crime Awareness & Prevention (2000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%