Introducción a la psicología forense

Hello and welcome to this Forensic Psychology class,

My name is Lance Davis and I have been in the Criminal Justice field as both an officer and educator for over 27-years now. I enjoy bringing aspects of the law enforcement field over into the education side.

REQUIREMENTS: a minimum of 2 students per class, cameras on at all times, and if you have to miss a class, make sure you watch the replay and do any work assigned.

I want you to picture yourself as a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, diving deep into the mysteries of criminal behavior, dissecting the motives behind the most enigmatic crimes, and deciphering the psychological profiles of perpetrators and victims alike. Sound fun? If so, continue on.

Imagine the scene: a dimly lit interrogation room, tension crackling in the air as you observe the subtle cues of a suspect's body language, listening intently to the cadence of their voice, decoding the hidden messages within their words. This is where the art of forensic psychology comes alive, where the tools of psychological assessment and analysis become your instruments for uncovering the truth.

But our journey extends far beyond the confines of the interrogation room. We'll traverse the corridors of history, tracing the evolution of forensic psychology from its roots in the pioneering work of figures like Cesare Lombroso and Sigmund Freud to its modern-day applications in criminal profiling, eyewitness testimony, and courtroom advocacy.

Prepare to be captivated by the myriad theories that seek to explain the complex interplay of nature and nurture in shaping human behavior. From the psychoanalytic insights of Freud to the behaviorist principles of Pavlov and Skinner, we'll explore how these theories inform our understanding of criminal minds and influence the strategies employed by law enforcement and legal professionals.

But forensic psychology is not just about theory—it's about hands-on, real-world application. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into case studies ripped straight from the headlines, where you'll put your newfound knowledge to the test in solving crimes, assessing the mental competence of defendants, and advocating for justice in the courtroom.

As you immerse yourself in this dynamic field, you'll grapple with ethical dilemmas that challenge your moral compass and confront the inherent biases that can influence our perceptions of guilt and innocence. Through lively debates and critical analysis, you'll sharpen your ability to think like a forensic psychologist, weighing evidence, considering alternative explanations, and ultimately striving for the elusive truth.

But perhaps most importantly, this course is about fostering empathy and understanding for the complexities of the human experience. As we peel back the layers of criminal behavior, we'll gain insight into the underlying factors—trauma, addiction, mental illness—that can drive individuals to commit acts of violence. In doing so, we'll strive to cultivate a more compassionate and informed approach to justice, one that recognizes the humanity of both the victims and perpetrators of crime.

So, if you are ready to embark on this exhilarating journey into the heart and mind of the criminal psyche? Buckle up, because in this forensic psychology class, the adventure is just beginning.

In this class, we will meet 8 times for 45-minutes each session. You will learn through: Lecture, Google Slides, YouTube, Kahoot Quizzes, and possibly Peer Projects. Also be aware that there may be some offensive language in some videos.

On the last day of class, prepare to stay on around 1 1/2 hours as we will watch a video. You will then apply things that you have learned over the course to answer some questions.

Probable Class Schedule:
Week 1 - Student Introductions, Mind Challenges, Intro and development of Forensic Psychology
Week 2 - Police & Investigative Psychology, Profiling
Week 3 - Legal Psychology
Week 4 - Criminal Psychology
Week 5 - Detecting Criminal Deception
Week 6 - Juvenile Delinquency & Victimology
Week 7 - Criminal Behavior & Correctional Psychology
Week 8 - Going inside the mind of the "Iceman", Richard Kuklinski