Course Syllabus

 

 

 

 

SPRING 2019

 

I          COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE:

PSYC/CRMJ 4370 – Criminal Psychopathology

            Days: online

Time: online

Location: online

Start and End Dates: January 28^th – May 17^th

II         INSTRUCTOR:

Name: Eric Silk, Ph.D.

E-mail: esilk@uwyo.edu (this is the best way to contact me) - I will try to respond to emails within 24 hours Monday through Friday, and will typically respond to emails received over the weekend on Monday morning.            

Phone: 646-431-8084 (cell - leave a message, I will not pick up)

 

III       COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an overview of current theories and empirical evidence concerning the relationship between psychological disorder and criminal behavior. The class examines various clinical syndromes and their role in biological, social and psychological genesis of crime, as well as the concept of criminal responsibility. Cross listed with CRMJ 4370. Prerequisite: 6 hours in psychology.

 

IV        LEARNING OUTCOMES:

            To complete this course successfully, students must be able to:

1. Describe specific developmental, biological, neurological, behavioral, cognitive, and social forces that contribute to criminal thinking and behavior.
2. Identify the characteristics of specific criminal subpopulations.
3. Conceptualize criminal behavior from several psychological perspectives.

 

V         REQUIRED TEXT & MATERIALS:

Bartol, Curt R. and Bartol, Anne M. (2017).  Criminal Behavior: A  Psychological Approach  (11^th Edition).  Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.   ISBN: 9780134163741

https://www.vitalsource.com/referral?term=9780134164434

 

 

 

 

 

 

VI        COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES

Participation & Attendance: This is an online class, and as such much of your work will be based upon interaction online. Approximately 40% of your total course grade will be based on your class participation in discussions. This means that you should review all the relevant course material for the chapters prior to posting to the discussion. Your frequent participation and interactions are expected. The class experience can be enhanced with everyone’s participation, so please be prepared to discuss material. Each week, students will be expected to participate in answering posted questions and generating discussion. The goal of this activity is to create a sense of community rather than a passive, non-interactive computerized course. Students are encouraged to answer each other’s posted response and the instructor’s questions. Because the class is scheduled online, it is your responsibility to complete the discussions on time and be available to take exams on scheduled dates.

 

Sensitive Material Warning: As this course covers sensitive material regarding criminal behavior and psychological disorders, participants in the class will often have differing opinions during the course. Respect of differing opinions is essential. Debate and discussion is encouraged during the course, but disrespectful, demeaning, degrading, inflammatory, etc. comments will not be tolerated. Topics covered in the class will include topics such as aggression, violence, murder, child abuse/neglect, sexual assault, terrorism, drug use, and many ethical dilemmas. If you are unable to tolerate opinions that differ from your own or discussing sensitive material, I highly suggest dropping the course. Please email me directly if you find something offensive in the discussions or the course in general.

 

Discussion Participation: Each week you will be asked certain discussion questions. You will need to post your replies to the discussion board. You will be evaluated on the critical thought and depth that you put into your responses. Your responses should include your own opinions, but also material based on other authors from books, academic journals, etc. The more in-depth your response, the better your grade will be. Replying with “I agree” is not sufficient. Grammar and spelling are also important. Your writing in the discussions should be equivalent to a 4000 level course. You should be using material from academic sources other than your textbook and the provided journal articles. All source material should be cited appropriately in APA style. DO NOT CUT AND PASTE FROM INTERNET SOURCES – That is plagiarism! Discussion questions should total several pages of written work by the end of the course.

 

As a professor, I monitor and grade the discussions, but generally do not respond to posts. The discussion is primarily with your fellow classmates.

 

Again, keep in mind that many psychological issues consist of more than one opinion and are often controversial in nature. While responses should generate discussion of various psychological topics, please respect each other's opinions. If you find something offensive in the discussion please email me to alert me to the posting. Please feel free to also use the discussion board to ask questions regarding the course material and expand on the material to make this class more meaningful for you.

The discussion questions are posted in advance, but I suggest you reply based on the schedule below. You will get more out of the discussions if you are interacting with your classmates. FOR EVERY UNIT you are expected to answer a number of discussion questions and additionally respond to 2 postings as a MINIMUM assignment. THAT MEANS A MINIMUM OF 3 POSTS PER UNIT FOR FULL CREDIT. Many students forget to respond to the discussions and it lowers their course grade.

 

The following is an explanation of how discussion posts are graded:

10 points: Posts to all assigned questions early. Answers all assigned questions with attention to what has been posted by classmates already. Always includes source citations. Encourages further discussion by posting comments on other students’ answers: either adding to the answer or disputing the answer. Asks more questions germane to the discussion. The student has an established presence in the class, pays attention to classmates’ comments, and deepens the class discussion.

 

8 points: Posts all assigned questions on time. Answers all assigned questions with attention to what has been posted by classmates already. Typically includes source citations. Encourages further discussion by posting comments on other student’s answers: either by adding to the answer or disputing the answer. The student shows a solid work ethic by participating in a timely manner, developing the conversation outside of the assigned requirements, and paying attention to his/her classmates’ comments. However, the student fails to cite appropriately, posts without giving classmates a chance to reply, or the posting is poorly written.

 

6 or fewer points: Posts to some of the assigned questions by the deadline. Takes material from other student’s postings in the discussion and presents as their own material. Fails to meet the posting deadline. Fails to cite material. Post has several grammatical and spelling errors.

 

0 points: Fails to post to assignment, plagiarized response, or has routinely missed deadlines. Posts disrespectful or intolerant comments.

 

Discussion Questions Location/Groups: Discussion questions can be found in the “Discussion” section for each week/chapter. Questions will be assigned based on the material assigned by unit. Responses to questions should be concise, generally consisting of one to two paragraphs per question. Participation in the discussion board is a requirement for this class and counts toward your grade. You will be randomly assigned to a discussion group with approximately 10 students in each group. Follow the instructions online for setting up your responses.

 

Reading Assignments: Reading assignments can be found in the syllabus and will consist of reading from your textbook and supplemental reading material such as journal articles. You are responsible for reading the chapters and supplemental readings prior to attempting the discussion questions. This material will be relevant to the online discussions, midterm, and final exam.

 

Video, Radio, and Screencasts: Screencast lectures are used for most sections in the course to substitute for classroom lectures. Additionally, videos and radio programs are also frequently used to help enhance the course material. Video and radio assignments and Screencasts can be found embedded in the course or links posted by the professor. You are responsible for viewing all of the material posted in the class. This material will be relevant to the online discussions, research paper, midterm, and final exam.

 

Exams: Exams will be given during designated weeks. Exams will cover any material covered in the modules. Exams will typically be around 75 multiple choice questions in length, but will be worth 100 points total. They are to be taken online during week assigned. You have a three-hour time limit to take the exams. You are allowed to use your book, notes, powerpoint, screencasts, videos, radio programs, supplemental readings, etc. Make sure you study and review the course material prior to taking the test.  Also, make sure you have a good internet connection and no distractions - you only get one chance to take the exams. 

 

Trigger Warning:  As this course exams criminal behavior, you may find some of the material covered offensive to your personal values and/or a trigger related to trauma. The class covers criminal behavior, violence, murder, sexual assault, deviant sexual behavior, terrorism, drug use/abuse, etc. Obviously, this material may make people uncomfortable, but it is the focus of the class. If you have a problem related to specific topics covered in the course, please contact the instructor and alternative arrangements can be made.   

 

Statement of Academic Honesty:

It is important that all students do independent original work. As outlined in University Regulation 802, Revision 2, cheating on exams or other acts of dishonesty will be grounds for failure on a particular exam, an F grade for the course, and/or expulsion from the University.

 

Plagiarism:  Plagiarism is a major academic offense and will be fully punished if caught. Plagiarism means representing as your own the ideas, words, or work of someone else.

You commit plagiarism if you use:

• Any part of another person’s written words without correct documentation
• Any part of another person’s ideas without correct documentation

This includes any part of a book, encyclopedia, magazine article, journal article, newspaper article, CD-ROM, or website used without correct documentation. 

 

Plagiarism is punished in a variety of ways. The student who plagiarizes may fail the assignment and/or the entire course. 

 

PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLLERATED IN THIS COURSE. CITE YOUR SOURCES IF YOU USE MATERIAL FROM A SOURCE!

Special Needs: Students with special needs should contact the instructor about possible accommodations within the first few days of class.

 

 

VII      COURSE SCHEDULE AND TOPIC OUTLINE 

 

*****Class schedule subject to modification, but not without prior notification*****

Module	Chapter and Topic	Assignments
1/28-2/3
1	Chapter 1 - Introduction to Criminal Behavior	Rosen - The Brain on the Stand Wyoming Crime Data - WYO FBI UCR Self Intro Discussion Chapter 1 Discussion
2/4-2/10
2	Chapter 2 - Origins of Criminal Behavior: Developmental Risk Factors	Chapter 2 Discussion
2/11-2/17
3	Chapter 3 - Origins of Criminal Behavior: Biological Factors	CNN - The Link Between Violence and Anatomy Michael Gazzaniga: The Criminal Brain Chapter 3 Discussions
2/18-2/24
4	Chapter 4 - Origins of Criminal Behavior: Learning and Situational Factors	BBC The Brain: A Secret History - Emotions; Bandura Bobo Doll Experiment BBC Stanford Prison Experiment TED Philip Zimbardo: The Psychology of Evil Chapter 4 Discussion
2/25-3/3
5	Chapter 5 - Human Aggression and Violence	Radio – Radiolab: Blame Blair (2010). Neuroimaging of Psychopathy and Antisocial Behavior: A Targeted Review. Chapter 5 Discussion
3/4- 3/10
6	Chapter 6 - Juvenile Delinquency	Video - Your Neighbor's Child TED Bryan Stevenson: We Need to Talk about an Injustice Extra Material: Wyoming State Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice Extra Material: The Damaged Juvenile Justice and Detention System in Wyoming Chapter 6 Discussion
3/11-3/15
7	MIDTERM EXAM	DUE 3/15 by Midnight
3/25-3/31
8	Chapter 7 - Psychopathy	Video – Equinox Psychopath Chapter 7 Discussion
4/1-4/7
9	Chapter 8 - Crime and Mental Disorders	Video – Frontline The New Asylums Video - Andrea Yates Video - Insanity on Death Row Chapter 8 Discussion
4/8-4/14
10	Chapter 9 - Homicide, Assault, and Family Violence	Gladwell (2007). Dangerous Minds Lepore (2009). Why is American history so murderous? www.gunviolencearchive.org Chapter 9 Discussion
4/15-4/21
11	Chapter 10 - Multiple Murder, School, and Workplace Violence	Secret Service report on School Shootings: can we predict who will become a killer? Video - “Murder by Proxy: How America Went Postal” Video - Former FBI Serial Killer Expert John Douglas Reddy, et al. (2001). Evaluating Risk for Targeted Violence in Schools Chapter 10 Discussion
4/22-4/28
12	Chapter 11 - Psychology of Modern Terrorism	DeAngelis (2009). Understanding Terrorism CBS News – The Psychology Behind the Fear of Terrorism Chapter 11 Discussion
4/29-5/5
13	Chapter 12 - Sexual Assault  Chapter 13 - Sexual Assault of Children and Youth and Other Sexual Offenses	Hanson & Morton-Bourgon (2005). The Characteristics of Persistent Sexual Offenders: A Meta-Analysis of Recidivism Studies Chapter 12 and 13 Discussion
5/6-5/12
14	Chapter 16 - Substance Abuse and Crime	Carl Hart – High Price Google Lecture Final Discussion
5/13-5/17
15	FINAL EXAM	DUE 5/17 by Midnight

 

*Additional journal articles, videos, screencasts, etc. may be assigned at any time during the semester.

 

VIII    GRADING CRITERIA:

Your final grade is determined by your performance on the following with approximate number* of total points:

 

Discussion Questions (10 points for 14 discussions) 140

Midterm Exam                                                            100

Final Exam                                                                 100

           Total                                                                           340 points*

 

 

The following grading scale will be used to assign final grades:

 

Grade	% of Points
A	100.0% - 90.0%
B	89.9% - 80.0%
C	79.9% - 70.0%
D	69.9% - 60.0%
F	Less than 60.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

University of Wyoming Required Syllabus Information

 

Classroom Statement on Diversity: The University of Wyoming values an educational environment that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. The diversity that students and faculty bring to class, including age, country of origin, culture, disability, economic class, ethnicity, gender identity, immigration status, linguistic, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, worldview, and other social and cultural diversity is valued, respected, and considered a resource for learning.

Disability Support: The University of Wyoming is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students.   If you have a disability, including but not limited to physical, learning, sensory or psychological disabilities, and would like to request accommodations in this course due to your disability, please register with and provide documentation of your disability as soon as possible to Disability Support Services (DSS), Room 128 Knight Hall. You may also contact DSS at (307) 766-3073 or udss@uwyo.edu. It is in the student’s best interest to request accommodations within the first week of classes, understanding that accommodations are not retroactive.  Visit the DSS website for more information at: www.uwyo.edu/udss

Academic Dishonesty Policies:  According to  UW Regulation 2-114 (Procedures and Authorized University Actions in Cases of Student Academic Dishonesty) academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class. Cases of academic dishonesty will be treated in accordance with UW Regulation 2-114.  The penalties for academic dishonesty can include, at my discretion, an “F” on an exam, an “F” on the class component exercise, and/or an “F” in the entire course.  Academic dishonesty means anything that represents someone else’s ideas as your own without attribution.  It is intellectual theft – stealing - and includes (but is not limited to) unapproved assistance on examinations, plagiarism (use of any amount of another person’s writings, blog posts, publications, and other materials without attributing that material to that person with citations), or fabrication of referenced information. Facilitation of another person’s academic dishonesty is also considered academic dishonesty and will be treated identically.

Duty to Report: While I want you to feel comfortable coming to me with issues you may be struggling with or concerns you may be having, please be aware that I have some reporting requirements that are part of my job requirements at UW.

For example, if you inform me of an issue of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination I will keep the information as private as I can, but I am required to bring it to the attention of the institution’s Title IX Coordinator. If you would like to talk to those offices directly, you can contact Equal Opportunity Report and Response (Bureau of Mines Room 319, 766-5200, report-it@uwyo.edu, www.uwyo.edu/reportit). Additionally, you can also report incidents or complaints to the UW Police Department. You can also get support at the STOP Violence program (stopviolence@uwyo.edu, www.uwyo.edu/stop, 766-3296) (or SAFE Project (www.safeproject.org, campus@safeproject.org, 766-3434, 24-Hour hotline: 745-3556). 

Another common example is if you are struggling with an issue that may be traumatic or unusual stress. I will likely inform the Dean of Students Office or Counseling Center. If you would like to reach out directly to them for assistance, you can contact them using the info below or going to www.uwyo.edu/dos/uwyocares.

Finally, know that if, for some reason, our interaction involves a disruptive behavior or potential violation of policy, I inform the Dean of Students, even when you and I may have reached an informal resolution to the incident. The purpose of this is to keep the Dean apprised of any behaviors and what was done to resolve them.

 

Substantive changes to syllabus:  Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade and absence policies, may be subject to change with reasonable advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor. Substantive changes made to the syllabus by the instructor during the semester shall be communicated in the learning management system, other electronic means, or in class to the students with reasonable notice.

 

 

 

 CAMPUS RESOURCES

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES: udss@uwyo.edu, 766-3073, 128 Knight Hall, www.uwyo.edu/udss

COUNSELING CENTER: uccstaff@uwyo.edu, 766-2187, 766-8989 (After hours), 341 Knight Hall, www.uwyo.edu/ucc

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS: 766-4286, 312 Old Main, www.uwyo.edu/acadaffairs

DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE: dos@uwyo.edu, 766-3296, 128 Knight Hall, www.uwyo.edu/dos

UW POLICE DEPARTMENT: uwpd@uwyo.edu, 766-5179, 1426 E Flint St, www.uwyo.edu/uwpd

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT WEBSITE: www.uwyo.edu/dos/conduct