UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Specification
1 The title of the module
SP306 Introduction to Forensic Psychology
2 The School which will be responsible for management of the module
Psychology
3 The Start Date of the Module
Autumn 2009
4 The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable
2009
5 The number of students expected to take the module.
100-150
6 Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
N/A
7 The level of the module (eg Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
C (FHEQ Level: 4)
8 The number of credits which the module represents
15 (7.5 ECTS)
Note: undergraduate full-time students take modules amounting to 120 credits per year and postgraduate full-time students take modules amounting to 180 credits per year for a Masters award
9 Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn
10 Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
No prerequisites will be required for students registered for a psychology Programme of Study.
For non psychology students either Introduction to Psychology I (SP304) or Introduction to Psychology II (SP305) will be required as a pre-requisite.
11 The programmes of study to which the module contributes
Optional module for students across all Faculties.
12 The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes
The following specific learning outcomes will be acquired upon successful module completion:
See Appendix for Module to Programme Map for further details
12.1 Understanding of the practical role played by contemporary forensic psychologists in society
12.2 Introductory knowledge of forensic psychology as a discipline and research methods used within forensic psychology
12.3 Awareness of the fundamental application of psychology, as a science, to understand key forensic issues
12.4 Understanding of key concepts and sub-topics within forensic psychology and how they relate to each other (i.e., ability to synthesise core concepts within forensic psychology)
12.5 Basic ability to evaluate core theories and research in forensic psychology
In addition to these specific learning outcomes, this course will make valuable contributions towards the more general aims of undergraduate programmes through:
12.6 Developing students’ awareness of fundamental psychological perspectives and how they relate to society
12.7 Developing students’ understanding of the range of approaches available for applying psychology
12.8 Providing students with research led teaching
13 The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes
See Appendix for Module to Programme Map for further details
In addition to specific learning outcomes, the following generic learning outcomes will be acquired upon successful module completion:
13.1 Appreciation and understanding of the variety of theoretical and methodological approaches used in psychology
13.2 Development of self reflective qualities required to receive constructive feedback from staff in order to improve understanding and academic performance
13.3 Development of independent learning and research skills required to support academic learning and development
13.4 Development of self-regulation skills in the form of study planning and overall time management
13.5 Development of information technology skills required to obtain key learning resources (e.g., use of online journals and learning resources as directed by lecturers).
14 A synopsis of the curriculum
This module will introduce students to key topics in Forensic Psychology including the development of offending, the rehabilitation of offenders, the criminal justice system, criminal statistics, policing, and the publics’ response to crime. In particular, this module will focus on (1) fundamental applications of psychology, as a science, for understanding important forensic issues, and (2) key research methods common in forensic psychological research. Throughout the module, students will be encouraged to apply contemporary psychological concepts and methods to understand the important forensic psychological issues outlined.
15 Indicative Reading List
Howitt, D. (2009). Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology (3rd ed). London: Pearson
Wood, J., & Gannon, T. A. (2008). Public Opinion and Criminal Justice. Cullumpton: Willan.
Additional readings and on-line resources will also be recommended in each lecture.
16 Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended learning outcomes
The learning and teaching methods will be made up of 11 two-hour lectures (22 hours in total) and guided independent learning (of approximately 128 hours) making up a total of 150 hours of study. Each lecture will introduce students to the main concepts, issues, and research methods relating to various sub-disciplines of forensic psychology (12.1 through to 12.5; 13.1). Furthermore, each lecture will introduce students to contemporary perspectives and controversies in forensic psychological research (12.1; 12.2; 12.6-12.8). Students will be expected to engage in 128 hours of guided independent study (13.2; 13.3; 13.4). This learning will be firmly guided by course lecturers who will recommend relevant course texts, journal articles, and on-line resources (13.5). Further study resources will be made available for students online (e.g., Government reports, research articles) (13.5). This structured independent learning will enable students to engage in detailed, meaningful learning about key concepts and research methods in forensic psychology (12.4; 12.5).
17 Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes
Students will be assessed on the module learning outcomes, at the end of the module, via an unseen 2 hour secure multiple choice exam. This exam will represent 100% of students’ assessment for this course. The test will be developed by each of the lecturers contributing to the course and will examine students’ broad-based and more specific knowledge of the core concepts, issues and research methods relevant to all of the sub-disciplines of forensic psychology covered in the course (12.12.5). Most importantly, we will ensure that the exam associated with this module will test student learning over and above the usual knowledge and comprehension skills typically tapped by multiple choice exams. Thus, the multiple choice exam associated with this course will also test students’ ability to (1) apply concepts and theories covered in the course to new situations (i.e., questions testing application skills:12.6; 12.7; 12.8)), (2) combine knowledge from several concepts (i.e., questions testing synthesis skills: 12.3-12.5), and (3) make choices and decisions based upon key evaluations of evidence (questions testing evaluative skills: 12.8; 13.1-13.3). In the case of short-term exchange students unable to sit the exam, these pieces of assessment may be replaced by a single piece of coursework of increased length.
18 Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
Lectures will be taken by academic staff from the University of Kent in a medium-sized lecture theatre. All reading materials will be made readily available via the library, and lecturers will ensure that the University bookstore is stocked with sufficient numbers of core texts. We anticipate that students will have excellent access to IT resources through school computer labs (either in Keynes or other schools).
19 A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities
As far as can be reasonably anticipated disabled students will not be disadvantaged by this module.
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
......Director of Learning and Teaching
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Print Name / ......
Date
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
......Head of School
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Print Name / ......
Date
Appendix: Module Outcomes to Programme Outcomes