PSYCH580-19B (HAM)

The Psychology of Criminal Conduct

15 Points

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Division of Arts Law Psychology & Social Sciences
School of Psychology

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Devon Polaschek

Devon Polaschek
9224
K.1.14
by appointment
devon.polaschek@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Armon Tamatea

Armon Tamatea
5157
K.1.01A
To be advised
armon.tamatea@waikato.ac.nz

Administrator(s)

: donna.walsh@waikato.ac.nz

Placement Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: jillene.bydder@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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Paper Description

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This paper introduces students to the study of criminal behaviour from psychological perspectives, including theories of the causes of criminal propensity and specific criminal events, and strategies for assessing and changing the risk of criminal behaviour. We will also explore some of the roles of psychology and psychologists in correctional systems.

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Paper Structure

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Lecture Outline: Lectures will run from 4 to 6 pm commencing Thursday July 1, 2019. Lecture slides will be usually be made available on Moodle prior to each lecture. Guest lecturers may provide additional references during their lectures. Be aware that not all lecturers may agree to make slides or notes available, and this is their choice. Note that classes are NOT available on Panopto, so it's important that you attend class.

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Articulate a broad understanding of the psychological basis for criminal propensity and approaches to reducing it, with more in depth understanding of sexual and violent offenders, people with psychopathy, and prison violence
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Understand and be able to discuss issues in working with indigenous people in correctional systems
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Succinctly critique empirical research using established evaluative criteria and communicate these critiques
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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Assessment will be divided into two assignments and a final test. The allocation of marks given to the assignments and the test is described below. More detail on all 3 pieces of assessment will be made available in class and via Moodle once the paper has begun.
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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Assignment 1: Critical evaluation Task
9 Aug 2019
5:00 PM
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Select and get approval for essay topic
26 Aug 2019
5:00 PM
0
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. Assignment 2: Essay on topic chosen by student
6 Sep 2019
5:00 PM
35
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Test
10 Oct 2019
4:00 PM
45
  • In Class: In Lecture
✔
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Required Readings

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Bonta, J. & Andrews, D. A. (2016). The psychology of criminal conduct (6th ed.). London: Routledge.

The previous edition will also be very useful:

Andrews, D.A., & Bonta, J. (2010). The psychology of criminal conduct (5th ed.). Cincinnati, OH: Anderson Publishing Co.

There will be additional readings for a number of the classes. You will be advised of these on Moodle and in class.

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Recommended Readings

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Other readings that may assist students with their learning or essay development will be discussed during lectures. Readings may be identified and provided during the semester.

Students will want to identify their own readings for the essay.

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Online Support

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Student Resources:
Psychology Café: This is a Moodle space for all students and staff of the School of Psychology.
Use it to find out what is happening and what the School may provide for you. Think of it as our virtual notice board: it gives information about events, seminars, resources and study options. But unlike a notice board, it is interactive.

Graduate Virtual Common Room: http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz/course/view.php?id=22118&section=2 (scroll down to the second section)
The Graduate Virtual Common Room has been designed to help you locate the resources you are likely to need as a graduate student, to find out what is happening in the School and to network with other graduate students.

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Workload

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For a typical student a 15-point paper (offered over one semester) is approximately 10 hours per week, including class contact time for the entire semester including the recess. This figure is only an approximation because papers vary in their requirements and students vary in both the amount of effort required and the grades they wish to achieve.
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Linkages to Other Papers

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This paper is designed to complement other papers to provide students interested in a career in correctional psychology a basis for further study. Relevant papers include:
PSYC544 Psychology of Security and Crime Science

PSYC560 Applied Behavioural Analysis
PSYC581 Psychological Assessment
PSYC556 Advanced Topics in Abnormal Adult Psychology
PSYC574 Principles and Theories of Cognitive / Behaviour Therapy
PSYC562 Theories in Clinical Psychology

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Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Equivalent(s)

Restriction(s)

Restricted Papers: PSYC580

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