Psychology of Criminal Behavior

About this course

Why do people offend? Can we predict who the victims will be? This course applies psychological/criminological theory and research methods to the understanding of criminality, and its consequences, assessment, treatment, and prevention. Mental disorders and their implications are explored through analysis of criminal cases within a Scandinavian context.

Key topics include: social norms, social control, and violence. Focus is on the socio-biological interactions related to criminal behavior and the criminal mind.

One of the most fascinating applications of psychology is examining and working with criminal behavior, for e.g., from gang violence on the streets to high profile embezzlement. Traditional classroom teaching will be supplemented with guest speakers from the field of forensics and will include visits to relevant institutions. The goal of this course is to provide a better understanding of the criminal mind and to recognize criminal psychology as a distinct specialization within the field of psychology.

Pre-requisites

One psychology course at university level.

Faculty

Kamilla Lange

Faculty

Cand. Psychology (2006, University of Copenhagen). BA. Psychology (2003, University of Copenhagen). Authorized clinical psychologist, Psykolognævnet (2009). Clinical psychologist (2006-present). Mindfulness instructor (2008-present). Lecturer, Lægernes Uddannelses Forening (2008-2011). Lecturer, Mindwork and Fobiskolen (2008-present), Psychological supervisor, Psykiatrisk Center Bispebjerg, Region Hovedstaden (2011-2013). Psychological supervisor, Mindwork and Fobiskolen, (2009-present). Author (2012). With DIS since 2015.