麻豆区

2025-2026 Academic Year

Fall 2025

PSYC 480 Advanced Forensic Psychology
This advanced course delves into the intricate relationship between psychology and the legal system. Students will explore the theoretical foundations and practical applications of forensic psychology in civil and criminal jurisdictions, focusing primarily on the assessment of individuals that come before the court. Cases will examine issues of consent, competency, dependency and delinquency, risk of harm, custody, parental competency, termination of parental rights, determination of serious mental injury, decertification of juveniles from adult court, personal injury, intellectual property, and mitigating psychological factors in defense or sentencing decisions. Through case studies, simulations, field trips, interactive discussions, and writing exercises, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how psychological principles are applied in legal contexts. This course is designed for students with a foundational knowledge of psychology who are interested in pursuing careers in forensic psychology, applied psychology, clinical psychology, or related fields.