Credit: 1.0 | Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology

This course will explore the application of psychology to legal issues. Students will develop a foundational understanding of the intersection of psychology and the law. Students will learn about related topics such as the importance of forensic psychologists, forensic psychological assessments, lie detection, evaluation of DNA and physical evidence, jury selection, insanity defenses, criminal profiling, eyewitness and expert testimony, offender treatment, death penalty, and correctional psychology. Students examine case studies, trials, established and emerging laws, and relevant research into the psychological aspects of criminal activity and the people who commit crimes, as well as the basic understanding of the major mental disorders and how they may cause, aggravate, or mitigate criminal conduct.