PP 8622

Survey of Forensic Psychology

Fall 2007

INSTRUCTOR:

Daniela E. Schreier, Psy.D.

PHONE:

phone 312-804-0810 (between 9:30 AM and 5 PM; Monday through Friday only)

EMAIL:


FAX:

ALT PHONE:

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Title / Psychological evaluations for the courts: A handbook for mental health professionals and lawyers
Author(s) / Melton, G. B. et al
Copyright / (1997)
Publisher / New York, NY: TheGuilford Press.
ISBN / 1572302364
Edition / (2nd ed.).
Title / Essentials of Forensic Psychological Assessment
Author(s) / Ackerman, M.J.
Copyright / (1999)
Publisher / New York, NY: Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ISBN / 978-0-471-33186-5
Edition

This Course Requires the Purchase of a Course Packet: YES NO

Page 1

ArgosyUniversity

COURSE SYLLABUS

PP 8622

Survey of Forensic Psychology

Faculty Information

Faculty Information

Faculty Name: Daniela E. Schreier, Psy.D.

Campus: ChicagoLoop Campus

Contact Information: phone 312-804-0810 (between 9:30 AM and 5 PM; Monday through Friday only)

email:

website:

Student web:

Office Hours: by appointment only

Short Faculty Bio: Dr. Schreier obtained her Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology with Minors in Diversity and Forensics at

ISPP Chicago. Her professional interests are in the areas of diagnostics, diversity, correctional & forensic psychology with special interest in custody evaluations.

Course description:

This course offers a theoretical overview for understanding the specific principles underlying the practice of forensic psychology.The survey comprises civil and criminal law, the forensic ethics code and its implications, forensic assessment strategies and court testimony. Course discussions will explore the role of the forensic psychologist and impending clinical and legal issues including how to communicate psychological findings to the courts.

Course Pre-requisites: None

Required Textbook:

Melton, G. B. et al (1997) Psychological evaluations for the courts: A handbook for mental health professionals and lawyers (2nd ed.).

New York, NY: TheGuilford Press. ISBN 1572302364

Ackerman, M.J. (1999) Essentials of Forensic Psychological Assessment, New York, NY: Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0471331894

Technology:Pentium III CPU/ Windows 98; 128MB RAM printer; Microsoft Office: Acrobat (full version); Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 (PC), 5.0 (MAC), or Netscape Navigator 4.08; Norton Antivirus.

Course length: 15 Weeks

Contact Hours: 45 Hours

Credit Value: 3.0

Program Outcomes:

The Doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University Chicago Campus is an APA accredited program (APA, 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC20002, 202-336-5500). This program is designed to educate and train students so that they may eventually be able to function effectively as clinical psychologists. To ensure that students are prepared adequately, the curriculum provides for the meaningful integration of theory, training and practice. The Clinical Psychology program at Argosy University Chicago Campus emphasizes the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential in the formation of professional psychologists who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services. Specific objectives of the program include the following:

  • Goal 1: Prepare professional psychologists to accurately, effectively, and ethically select, administer, score, interpret, and communicate findings of appropriate assessment methods informed by accepted psychometric standards and sensitive to the diverse characteristics and needs of clients.
  • Objective 1a: Accurately and ethically administer and score various psychodiagnostic instruments.
  • Objective 1b: Accurately interpret and synthesize assessment data in the context of diversity factors, referral questions, and specific objectives of the assessment, and organize and communicate results in writing and orally.
  • Objective 1c: Examine psychometric properties of psychological assessment instruments, and use that knowledge to evaluate, select, administer, and interpret psychological tests and measures appropriate for the client, the referral question, and the objectives of the assessment.
  • Goal 2: Prepare professional psychologists to select, implement, and evaluate psychological interventions consistent with current ethical, evidence-based, and professional standards, within a theoretical framework, and with sensitivity to the interpersonal processes of the therapeutic relationship and the diverse characteristics and needs of clients.
  • Objective 2a: Synthesize the foundations of clinical psychology, including psychopathology, human development, diagnosis, diversity, ethics, and various therapeutic models in clinical applications.
  • Objective 2b: Select, plan, and implement ethical and evidence-based interventions with sensitivity to the diverse characteristics and needs of clients.
  • Objective 2c: Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively implement and participate in psychological consultation and supervision.
    Objective 2d: Demonstrate personal development and self-reflective capacity, including growth of interpersonal skills, and therapeutic relationships.
  • Goal 3: Prepare professional psychologists to analyze the complexity and multidimensionality of human diversity, and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to understand diverse worldviews and the potential meaning of social, cultural, and individual differences for professional psychological services.
  • Goal 4: Prepare professional psychologists to examine the historical context and the current body of knowledge of biological, cognitive, affective, developmental, and social bases of human functioning.
  • Goal 5: Prepare professional psychologists to critically evaluate the current and evolving body of scholarly literature in psychology to inform professional practice.

The Master’s Program in Clinical Psychology has been designed to educate and train students to enter a professional career as MA level practitioners. Argosy University/Chicago Campus provides students an educational program with all the necessary theoretical and clinical elements that will allow them to be effective members of a mental health team. The program introduces students to basic clinical skills that integrate individual and group theoretical foundations of applied psychology into appropriate client interactions and intervention skills. In addition, the Program offers excellent preparation for those considering application to the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology.

Course Objectives:

1. Students are expected to exemplify professional behaviors in their acquisition of the course content and demonstration of learning. This includes the ability to receive and integrate feedback, maintain appropriate boundaries, the ability to modulate affect, openness to different perspectives, and demonstration of collegial and respectful relationships with peers and faculty. When group work is required students are expected to work collaboratively, to contribute effectively to the group and actively learn from and teach others.

2. To comprehend the purpose, utility, and ethics of forensic practice and assessment.

3. To comprehend the role (s) of the forensic psychologist and the forensic ethical guidelines.

4. To acquire an understanding of the Legal System —including civil and criminal law—with particular attention to legal issues in Mental Health Care.

5. To develop skills in dissemination of test results in oral and written forensic reports

6. To acquire fundamental competency related to forensic assessment evaluations related to child custody, child abuse and neglect domestic violence, mental status during crime versus competency to stand trial, civil commitment, juvenile delinquency and civil competencies as well as workers compensation and torts and federal antidiscrimination and entitlement laws.

7.To recognize how culture, ethnicity, race, and individual differences affect performance on standardized assessment instruments and to develop a critical understanding of forensic assessment measures, court proceedings, and the alliance of mental health professionals and the legal system.

CLASS SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS

Content sequence is approximate, and will be adjusted for the experience base of the class; group progress in acquisition of skills, knowledge, and values; and the natural flow of inquiry in the course.The instructor reserves the rightto alter sequence and time spend on individual topics:

Class Format:

This class will use readings, discussion, lectures, student and instructor presentations, video documentaries, and guest lecturers to explore the field of forensic psychology.

Assignment Table

Two (2) guest speakers—both experts in forensic psychology/psychiatry and the legal system—will present in class depending on the week of their availability.

All readings are due before the actual class. This includes the readings for week one (1). It is your responsibility to check to instructor’s website for additional postings:

Week / Topics / Readings & Assignments
1
ESSENTIALS OF FORENSCI PRACTICE AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM / Introduction
Syllabus
Law and the Mental Health Professions / Melton Ch 1
Ackermann Ch 1
*** DUE: Sign up for in-class presentation on assigned readings***
2 / Overview of the Legal System
Nature and Method of Forensic Assessment / Melton Ch 2; 3
3 / Competence in Forensic Practice:
The Mental Health Professional as Double Agent
Managing Public and Private Forensic Services / Melton Ch 4; 5
*** DUE: Hand in Forensic Research Topic for approval – in writing***
4
INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL PROCESS / Competency to Stand Trial / Melton Ch 6; Ch: 19: 19.01; 19.02
Ackerman Ch 5
5 / Other Competencies in the Criminal Process / Melton Ch 7; Ch 19: 19.03
Ackermann Ch 8
6 / Mental Status at the Time of the Offense:
The Insanity Defense; Diminished Capacity; Mens Rea and Mitigation / Melton Ch 8; Ch 19: 19.04
7 / Sentencing / Melton Ch 9; Ch 19: 19.05
***DUE: Midterm Research Paper ***
Assignments are due at the beginning of class
8
NONCRIMINAL ADJUDICATION / Civil Commitment / Melton Ch 10; Ch 19: 19.06
Ackermann Ch 6
9 / Civil Competencies / Melton Ch. 11; Ch 19; 19.07
10 / Workers’ Compensation and Torts
Americans with Disabilities Act
Federal Antidiscrimination and Entitlement Laws / Melton Ch 12; 13 Ch 19: 19.08; 19.09
Ackermann Ch 3; 4
11
CHILDREN AND FAMILY / Juvenile Delinquency / Melton Ch 14; Ch 19: 19.10
Ackermann Ch 7
12 / Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Custody in Divorce / Melton Ch 15; Ch 19: 19.11
Ackermann Ch 9
13 / Child Custody in Divorce continued
Special Topic: Video Tapes on Assessment for Child Sexual Abuse Allegations in Child Custody Disputes and Expert Court Testimony / Melton Ch 16; Ch 19: 19.12
Ackermann Ch 2
*** In-class final exam ***
14
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURTS / Communication with the Courts / Melton Ch 17; 18; Ch 19: 19.13;
15 / Communications with the Courts
Topic of Yr Choice: Historic Overview of Maternal Neonaticide, Infanticide, Filicide in the USA and the Forensic-Legal Implications
Munchhausen By Proxy Assessment & Forensic Psycho-Legal Issues / Melton, Ch 20

Grading Criteria

Attendance/participation / 150
Student Lecture/Presentation on Assigned Readings / 225
Midterm Research Paper / 325
In class Final Exam / 300

Grading Scale Grading requirements

Grading requirements/Point Distribution

A / 1000 – 940
A- / 939 – 900
B+ / 899 – 870
B / 869 – 830
B- / 829 – 800
C+ / 799 – 780
C / 790– 750
F / 749 and below

1. Class participation - Full participation by all class members is critical, and even one person's absence (physically or mentally) significantly deprives the class of your presence and input. Attendance and participation are grading criteria. We are each individually responsible for ensuring the collective environment of the class. You are expected to complete all the assigned activities and readings prior to each class, to lecture once during the course, and be prepared to contribute actively to the discussion and any in-class activities. If you anticipate to miss one class you have to notify your instructor. You will lose ten percent of your participation/ attendance points with each class you miss.

Grading Criteria: Consistent and appropriate participation, respect for others as demonstrated by accepting and respectful listening and honoring the right of everyone to be heard, quality of contributions, evidence of ability to incorporate and utilize course content, apparent extent of effort. (150 points maximum)

2. In class presentation on assigned readings: This exercise will give each student the opportunity to scaffold her/his peers and to provide a brief lecture to the class. Topics are based on the weekly required readings in Melton and Ackermann. Students sign up for presentations during the first class meeting. A presentation will be approx. 30 minutes long and needs to be accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation and a handout. Appropriate citations are necessary, additional material such as research articles or actual case studies/reports etc. arestronglyencouraged and all resources need to be attached to the presentation.

Grading criteria: Apparent mastery of the material; apparent effort and quality of presentation, PowerPoint, and handout (225 pts).

Midterm Research Paper: Student will write a research paper (12-15 pages), not including cover page and references) that provides a current, scholarly discussion of a selected forensic topic, addressing:

  1. Historic psycho-legal overview of the research topic in the American legal system and realm of psychology/psychiatry
  2. Critical review on diversity factors —as outlined in Hays Addressing Model (culture/SES/gender/family etc.)—in relation to the research topic
  3. Understanding this disorder across the lifespan (from childhood to late life)– etiology, presentation, the impact on accomplishing developmental tasks, and impact on family/loved ones
  4. Best practices/effective intervention and role of the forensic assessor
  5. Ethical Implications as related to the research topic

Grading criteria: Breath and depth of covering each aspect of the assignment, appropriate use of current literature/research, appropriate in-text citations and references; clarity and organization of writing; evidence of critical thinking (325 pts maximum)

Final In-Class Exam: There will be a in-class exam designed to test your knowledge of psycho-legal concepts and forensic principles acquired in this class. The test will consist of short essays, multiple choice questions, and probably a brief case study.

Grading criteria: Accurate mastery of forensic principles, ethics code,assigned reading materials and application of the former to a case study. (300 pts max).

ATTENDANCE & CLASSROOM POLICIES

1. Attendance: Attendance at all classes is required and expected.For those students who receive student loans, attendance at class can also affect your eligibility for loan monies.Students are expected to attend all class meetings and to be on time for class. Attendance is a grading criterion and is considered an important aspect of the learning experience. As part of class participation, consistent lateness and/or absences will affect the grade earned. In truly extenuating circumstances (illness, death in the family. etc.), the student is requested to inform the instructor at the earliest possible opportunity that s/he will not be present, and the student is expected to take responsibility for remaining current with the class (making arrangements to obtain the class notes from another student, keeping up with the assigned reading and assignments, etc.). Make - up for missed work is not available, except under truly extenuating circumstances as determined by the instructor.

2. Late Assignments: Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late assignments will not be accepted unless under extreme emergency andnegotiated in advance with the instructor; students will earn a 0 for late work.

3. Incompletes: No incompletes will be given except in truly extenuating circumstances, and if negotiated in advance. Unfinished work at the end of the term is not a sufficient circumstance to request an incomplete. If the instructor agrees to give a grade of incomplete, it is the student's responsibility to insure that the appropriate paperwork is completed and in the instructor's hands no later than the last day of the course. Failure to provide required paperwork to the instructor by this deadline will result in grade based on work turned in to date. NO EXCEPTION.

Library Resources

ArgosyUniversity’s core online collection features more than 21,000 full-text journals, 23,000 electronic books and other content covering all academic subject areas including Business & Economics, Career & General Education, Computers, Engineering & Applied Science, Humanities, Science, Medicine & Allied Health, and Social & Behavior Sciences.All electronic resources can be accessed through the library’s website at User IDs and passwords are distributed during orientation, but can also be obtained at the circulation desk, calling 312-777-7653, or by e-mail at .

In addition to online resources, ArgosyUniversity’s onsite collections contain a wealth of subject-specific research materials searchable in the Library Online Catalog. Catalog searching is easily limited to individual campus collections.Alternatively, students can search combined collections of all Argosy University Libraries. Students are encouraged to seek research and reference assistance from campus librarians.

Information Literacy: ArgosyUniversity’s Information Literacy Tutorial was developed to teach fundamental and transferable research skills, including selecting sources appropriate for academic-level research, searching periodical indexes and search engines, and evaluating and citing information. In the tutorial, students study concepts and practice them through interactions. At the conclusion of each module, they can test their comprehension and receive immediate feedback. Each module takes less than 20 minutes to complete. Please view the tutorial at

Academic Policies

Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism: In an effort to foster a spirit of honesty and integrity during the learning process, ArgosyUniversity requires that the submission of all course assignments represent the original work produced by that student. All sources must be documented through normal scholarly references/citations and all work must be submitted using the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition (2001). WashingtonDC: American Psychological Association (APA) format. Please refer to Appendix A in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition for thesis and paper format. Students are encouraged to purchase this manual (required in some courses) and become familiar with its content as well as consult the ArgosyUniversity catalog for further information regarding academic dishonesty and plagiarism.

Scholarly writing: The faculty at ArgosyUniversity is dedicated to providing a learning environment that supports scholarly and ethical writing, free from academic dishonesty and plagiarism. This includes the proper and appropriate referencing of all sources. You may be asked to submit your course assignments through “Turnitin,” ( an online resource established to help educators develop writing/research skills and detect potential cases of academic dishonesty. Turnitin compares submitted papers to billions of pages of content and provides a comparison report to your instructor. This comparison detects papers that share common information and duplicative language.

Americans with Disabilities Act Policy

It is the policy of ArgosyUniversity to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If a student with disabilities needs accommodations, the student must notify the Director of Student Services. Procedures for documenting student disability and the development of reasonable accommodations will be provided to the student upon request.

Students will be notified by the Director of Student Services when each request for accommodation is approved or denied in writing via a designated form. To receive accommodation in class, it is the student’s responsibility to present the form (at his or her discretion) to the instructor. In an effort to protect student privacy, the Department of Student Services will not discuss the accommodation needs of any student with instructors. Faculty may not make accommodations for individuals who have not been approved in this manner.