PSYC 4850J - Psyc Persp Criminal Behavior
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 43989,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Andrea Snyder
Email: ajsnyder@ysu.edu
Course Description
4850J. Psyc Persp Criminal Behavior. This seminar examines criminal behavior through major psychological frameworks, including biopsychological, developmental, behavioral, social, and personality perspectives. With emphasis on evaluating empirical research, comparing theoretical models, and assessing the explanatory strengths and limitations of each approach. Students will apply psychological constructs to case material and critically analyze the ethical implications of psychological explanations for responsibility, assessment, and intervention. Prereq.: C or better in PSYC 2617. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Psychology And Criminal Justice (25th ed.) | Blair, Lesli | 9781032168135 |
| Required | Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach (12th ed.) | Curt Bartol; Anne Bartol | 9780135618721 |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Tentative Course Schedule (Subject to Change)
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Blair Chapter 1; Bartol and Bartol Chapter 1 | Syllabus and Introduction | |
| 8/31 | Blair Chapter 2; Bartol and Bartol Chapters 2 and 3 | Protective and Risk Factors/Biopsychology | |
| 9/7 | Biopsychology | ||
| 9/14 | Blair Chapters 3 and 4; Bartol and Bartol Chapter 4 | Developmental Psychology/Behavioral Psychology | Annotated Bibliography |
| 9/21 | Behavioral Psychology | ||
| 9/28 | Rough Drafts | Rough Draft | |
| 10/5 | Rough Drafts | ||
| 10/12 | Blair Chapter 5; Bartol and Bartol Chapter 4 | Social Psychology | |
| 10/19 | Social Psychology | ||
| 10/26 | Blair Chapter 6 | Personality | |
| 11/2 | Personality; Practice Presentations | Practice Presentation | |
| 11/9 | Practice Presentations | ||
| 11/16 | Blair Chapter 7; Bartol and Bartol Chapter 7 | Psychopathy | |
| 11/23 | Psychopathy | ||
| 11/30 | Final Presentations | Final Presentation and Reflection Paper | |
| 12/7 | Exam Due By Monday, December 7 at 10:30 am |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.