PSY 664: Assessment & Treatment of Offenders. Focuses on the major theories of criminal and aggressive behavior. Viewpoints from cognitive, psychodynamic, behavioral, social learning, descriptive and developmental theorists will be discussed and compared with current classification systems. Case examples will be used to illustrate the various theories. If time permits, selected specialized topics may be considered including alcohol and crime, sex crimes, juvenile delinquency, and women and crime. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
PSY 671: Diversity & Law. Students will apply social psychological knowledge in the context of cultural sensitivity to the criminal and civil justice systems. Special focus will be placed on topics such as social psychology of justice institutions, environmental psychology, socialization into roles and identity, collective behavior, research on juries, attitude formation and change, and criminal identification. Coursework will also highlight the impact of psychological disorders, emphasizing the explicit linkage between socio-cultural change and the legal system. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
PSY 672: Addiction & Psychopharmacology. Examines the types of abusable substances and the symptomology, etiology, and treatment of substance abuse. The relationship of substance abuse to criminal behavior and emotional functioning will be examined. Regulation, prevention strategies, and treatment strategies will be examined. The entire spectrum of substance abuse will be examined. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
PSY 673: Psychology of Victims. An intensive theoretical and clinical study of the victim, community attitudes toward victims, the interactions of the victim with the criminal justice system, and programs for psychological rehabilitation of the victim. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
PSY 681: Seminar in Psychology & Law. This course will be designed to accommodate course offerings on new or emerging topic areas. May be repeated for credit provided that the topic is different with each selection. Course content, requirements and/or prerequisites will be posted independently each term. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
PSY 690: Comprehensive Exam. The M.A. comprehensive examinations will consist of three parts: (1) Theory; (2) Methods; (3) Substantive Area / Special Area. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
PSY 699: Thesis. The thesis will be an original, empirical research project. The student will work closely with an advisor, producing a work corresponding to the guidelines of the Publication Manual of the American Psychology Association. Students can register for this course in any of the semesters and continue till completion. CREDIT: THREE TO TWELVE SEMESTER HOURS.