The syllabus outlines a forensic psychology course that will explore the application of psychology to legal matters like criminal responsibility and punishment. Special attention will be given to major mental disorders encountered in forensic evaluations. Students will learn about topics like the insanity defense, competency to stand trial, risk assessment, and eyewitness testimony. The course will include exams, an analysis paper, class participation and assignments covering subjects such as psychopathy, sexual offenses, and trends in forensic psychology.

1. Forensic Psychology: COURSE SYLLABUS
Title: Forensic Psychology
Instructor Contact Information:
Name: Mrs. Joulyn Kenny /Gagandeep Kaur/ Mr. Atul Verma/
Mr. Pankaj Jaiswal .
Phone : 011 6565 3070/+91 98993 75790/ +91 98183 59575
Admission helpline: 9999055511
E-mail: forensic@ifsr.in
Office Hours: Before & After Class or By Appointment
Course Description: The forensic psychology course will explore the application of
psychological science to legal matters. Special attention will be given to developing
and understanding of the most prevalent mental disorders that are encountered in
forensic evaluations and how forensic psychologists assists judges and juries in
determining criminal responsibility and punishment. Students will learn about the
insanity defense, capital murder and the death penalty, competency to stand trial,
and child custody matters. Additional topics to be covered include the
psychological underpinnings and motivations for sexual offenses, murder, and
repeated criminal behaviour.
Student Learning Objectives:
1. Students will identify the major mental illnesses encountered in forensic
psychology and apply this knowledge to case analyses.
2. Students will learn basic case and statutory law related to forensic psychology.
3. Students will be able to identify causes of criminality.
4. Students will learn criminal and civil applications of forensic psychology.
Required Reading Materials: Necessary Hand-outs, worksheets as provided by
the Instructor.
Assignments and Academic Calendar
Date Class Instruction & Assignment
1-07-2018 1. Introduction to Forensic Psychology
2. Reading Assignment: Forensic Psychology, Chapter 1
8-07-2018 Major Mental Illness in Forensic Psychology
1.Psychotic Disorders
2. Bipolar Disorders
3. Intellectual Disabilities
4. Major Depression

2. 15-07-2018 1.Psychopathy
2. Reading Assignment
22-07-2018
1.Civil Commitment
2. Child Custody Evaluations
1. Reading Assignment
29-07-2018 Mid-Term Exam (first hour of class)
Competency Assessment
5-08-2018 1.Sexual Offender-Risk Assessment and Subtypes
1.Violence Risk Assessment
2. Intimate Partner Violence
3. Juvenile Delinquency
12-08-2018 1.Eye witness memory and identification errors
2. Amnesia for criminal behavior
19-08-2018 1.Competency to Stand Trial.
2. Reading Assignment:
26-08-2018 Insanity Defense
02-09-2018 Personal Injury Evaluations
Paper Submission
09-09-2018 1. Mind of the Criminal
Case Studies
16-09-2018 1. New Trends in Forensic Pyschology
Review for End Exams
FINAL EXAMS
Course Requirements and Grading Policies:
A student’s final grade will be an average of the following:
1. Class participation and attendance (10%).
You can expect to receive full credit in this area if you attend class regularly and
participate in class discussions.
2. Mid-Term Exam (35%)
3. Analysis Paper (20%)
4. Final Exam (35%)
Exams will be composed of true/false questions, multiple choice questions, and
brief essays.
Paper Requirements: Each student will compose a three to five page (double
spaced, 12 point font, one inch margins) analysis on an insanity case.
The paper will be graded as follows:

3. 1. Content (75%) 2. Grammar (25%)
Final Grades will be scored on a standard metric:
1. 90% to 100% = A
2. 80% to 89% = B
3. 70% to 79% = C
4. 60 to 69% = D
5. Below 60 % = F
Course & Instructor Policies:
Make up exams will be allowed only on an emergency basis. Proof of the emergency
must be provided (e.g., physician’s note, police report, etc.).
Late papers will be accepted one week after the due date and will be reduced by one
grade level.
No electronic devices are allowed during testing.
Cells phones should be silenced during class.
The descriptions and timelines contained in this syllabus are subject to
change at the discretion of the instructor.