Counseling Psychology Department
Course Descriptions
COU FS500—
BEHAVIORAL CRIMINOLOGY
(3 credits)
This course will provide an introduction to several of the most prominent psychological theories of criminal and aggressive behavior. Historical conceptions of criminal behavior will be explored and lead to contemporary theoretical conceptualizations that cover behavioral, social learning, cognitive, psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, developmental, biological, and socio-cultural perspectives. Topics include mental disorders associated with offending, substance abuse and crime, sexual crimes, juvenile delinquency, women and crime, victim/perpetrator rights, legal issues and policy concerns, as well as crime prevention and evidence-based treatments. Particular ethical dilemmas in considering these theories will be explored. Open only to students in the master’s program in Forensic & Counseling Psychology.
Updated 7/18/12
