Course syllabus

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Instructor:                           Dr. James Rodgers

Email:                                  j.rodgers@auckland.ac.nz

Phone:                                373 7599 x84522

Office:                                 Human Sciences Building 917

Lectures:                             Monday 2-4pm - 109-B15 (General Library, Room B15)

Tutorials:                             Monday 4-5pm 260-040B (Owen G Glenn, Room 040B)

                                          Tuesday 1-2pm 201E-704 (Human Sciences - East,Rm 704)

                                          Tuesday 3-4pm 260-057 (Owen G Glenn, Room 057)

                                          Tuesday 4-5pm 260-009 (Owen G Glenn, Room 009)

Office Hours:                       Thursday 10am – 12noon HSB917

INTRODUCTION:

This course is designed to examine the phenomena of crime and punishment from a psychological perspective. Using a combination of readings, films, lectures, and discussions, students will be familiarised with key psychological concepts and asked to apply them to forensic contexts. Particular attention will be paid to psychological explanations of crime, the relationship between mental illness and crime, and the role of psychology in law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Biosocial criminology, crime scene analysis, criminogenic risk and needs, and rehabilitation will also be examined. The course will employ an international, comparative approach:  a great deal of the research described in this course originates in the USA, but students will also be exposed to materials from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, England, and elsewhere, and expected to relate them to each other. 

COURSE Prerequisites:

30 points from MĀORI 130, PHIL 103, POLITICS 109, PSYCH 108, SOCIOL 100, 101, 103