PY3FOR-Forensic Psychology

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring (Double presentation)
Pre-requisites: PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Chung Kai Li

Email: k.chung@reading.edu.my

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to the field of forensic psychology.

Please note: this module runs in the Autumn term at the University of Reading Malaysia, and in the Spring term at the University of Reading UK. The contact hours are listed for the first iteration of teaching in the Autumn term, and these same contact hours are repeated for the second iteration of teaching in the Spring term.

Aims:

This module will critically assess the contribution that forensic psychology researchers and practitioners can make to the criminal justice system. It considers the theoretical, empirical, and ethical bases of forensic psychology. This module promotes theoretical insight and reflective learning by examining both nomothetic and idiographic studies of various aspects of the work of forensic psychologists.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• Appraise the contribution of experimental, cognitive-behavioural, clinical, and personality theories to the criminal justice system.


• Develop a critical understanding of current forensic research issues.


• Identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing forensic practice.

Additional outcomes:

This module will provide students with an overview of topics in Forensic Psychology, while giving students the opportunity to pursue their own interest within the field.

Students will be able to develop team working skills in collaborative learning.

Outline content:

Students will synthesise theories and evidence relating to topics such as biology of offending, eyewitness testimony, the psychology of interrogations, false confessions, detecting deception, offender profiling, stalking, and sexual offending. Students are encouraged to participate in class activities where they are able to research and apply concepts introduced in lectures.

Global context:

This module will consider the global context of the research and its approaches, with an aim to improve students’ understanding of how behaviour can be context-bound.  Internationally-relevant examples will be used to illustrate the similarities and differences of research within the criminal justice system internationally. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module comprises 7 x 2 hour seminars involving lectures and discussions. Teaching will be delivered through lectures, case studies, practicals, and student-led group activities. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	14
Guided independent study:	86
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed through coursework (100%).

Coursework will comprise a 2000-word written essay.

Formative assessment methods:

Satisfactory levels of participation in student-led activities will allow students to receive feedback and comments, which they can reflect on in order to help them perform well in their coursework assessment.

Students will be given an opportunity to submit an essay draft prior to submission, allowing them to receive verbal feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The module must be passed with a mark of at least 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment is by submission of an essay in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books: Howitt, D. (2018). Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology (6th edition). Essex: Pearson.

Last updated: 19 February 2021