CRIMINAL PROFILING
 SYLLABUS
 Section Instructor: Dr. Tom O'Connor or assigned instructor
This is a "master" syllabus and may not be your actual syllabus
Assigned instructors may or may not use this material

 

Class meets: as scheduled
Office hours: as scheduled
APSU Center @ Ft. Campbell
Telephone: (931) 221-1477
(931) 221-1493 (Fax)
Email: oconnort@apsu.edu
Web: www.drtomoconnor.com		 Profiling book
Textbook: Holmes, R. & Holmes, S. (2009). Profiling Violent Crimes: An Investigative Tool, 4e. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN: 1412959985 paperback.

 
COURSE DESIGNATION: CRJ 4050 (3 semester hours) Criminal Profiling

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PREREQUISITES: This is an advanced course in applied criminology. Topics include case management, database development, typology validation, motive and pattern analysis, personality assessment, forensic demography, principles of geo-coding, statistical prediction, and the ethics of provocation, interview and interrogation strategies. (no prerequisites)

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. To acquire an understanding of profiling in its various forms

2. To understand the legal and ethical contexts surrounding the use of profiling

3. To examine specific cases of individual profiles of criminals, terrorists, and leaders

4. To appreciate the challenges of applying profiles for intelligence and investigative use   

5. To articulate informed opinion over debates and issues in the field 

6. To identify criminological theories which appropriately apply to profiling     

7. To appreciate the need for further theory, research, and policy    

 

GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS:

 

In addition to the above objectives, the more general goals of this course are to provide the student with the following tools to help develop his or her potential:

1. Development of the student's analytical thinking capabilities through comparison and contrast in the application of theories and concepts to social problems

2. Enhancement of the student's literacy skills through assigned readings, discussions, examinations, and other requirements

3. Utilization of the historical perspective which helps with student understanding of evolutionary developments over time

4. Understanding of the scientific method through research requirements and in-depth case studies

5. Improvement in social interaction skills and understanding human behavior through consideration of the impact legal and social systems have on individuals

6. Increased student awareness of cultural and multi-cultural issues through study of how social problems and social movements are related to, and affect, minority groups

7. Preparation for more advanced study in criminal justice/homeland security

 

CONTENT OUTLINE:

Week 1: Textbook chapters 1-3 (otherwise read in order), the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
1. History of Profiling
1a. Becoming a Profiler
1b. How to Write a Profile Report
1c. Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry (from Forensics course)


Week 2: Textbook chapter 4, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
2. Advanced Applied Victimology
2a. Advanced Applied Criminology

 

Week 3: Textbook chapter 5, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
3. Antisocial Personality, Sociopathy, Psychopathy (from Criminology course)
3a. Psychopolitical Analysis of Political Leaders (from Intl. Terrorism course)
  

Week 4: Textbook chapters 6-7, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
4. Profiling Serial Killers
4a. Arsonists and Fire setters
4b. The Fantasy-Reenactment Cycle
 

Week 5: Textbook chapters 8-10, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
5. Profiling Rapists and Sex Criminals (from Investigations course)
5a. Sexual Sadism (****Secure Material) 
5b. Male and Female Serial Killer Differences
 

Week 6: Textbook chapters 11-12, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
6. Cult Crimes and Satanic Indicators
6a. Profiling Stalkers
 

Week 7: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
7. Profiling Mass Murderers
7a. Terrorist Profiling
7b. Profiling Cybercriminals (from Terrorism Threat course)
 

Week 8: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
8. Situational Awareness of Danger (from Managing Incidents course)
8a. Consumer and Voter Profiling
8b. The Future of Profiling

 

REQUIRED LEARNING RESOURCES:

Textbook: Holmes, R. & Holmes, S. (2009). Profiling Violent Crimes: An Investigative Tool, 4e. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN: 978-1412959988 paperback. (an earlier edition will suffice in a pinch) There are sixteen (16) chapters in the Fourth edition, as follows:
Chapter 1: Psychological Profiling: an Introduction
Chapter 2: Profiling in Fantasy and Fact
Chapter 3: The Rationale for Psychological Profiling
Chapter 4: Criminal Theories and Psychological Profiling
Chapter 5: The Analysis of the Crime Scene
Chapter 6: Arson and Psychological Profiling
Chapter 7: Profiling Serial Murderers
Chapter 8: Psychological Profiling and Rape
Chapter 9: Pedophilia and Psychological Profiling
Chapter 10: Autoerotic Asphyxiation
Chapter 11: Profiling Satanic and Cult-Related Murders
Chapter 12: Geography, Profiling and Predatory Criminals
Chapter 13: Jack the Ripper: A Case Study
Chapter 14: Lizzie Borden: A Case Study
Chapter 15: The Victim in Criminal Profiling
Chapter 16: The Future of Criminal Profiling
 

Supplemental Reference: American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5e. Washington DC: APA. Note: students do not have to buy this book, but should have access to it or something similar in order to utilize the correct style or format with writing assignments.

 

Additional Learning Resources (Internet Links in lectures and these general resources)
John Douglas website
Pat Brown website
Brent Turvey website
Maurice Godwin website
David Canter website
Kim Rossmo website

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to read and follow the schedule in the course syllabus, to read assigned readings, to read assigned Lecture Notes, and to seek and read additional suggested resources as provided by the textbook and Instructor.  In addition, students are expected to be alert and attentive with note taking in class and have a demonstrated desire to participate in any discussion.  Exams are to be completed within the deadlines given by the Instructor, and any special instructions for the paper assignment are to be followed precisely.  The Instructor will announce all deadlines and instructions as well as provide reminders about the pace or flow of the course.

BASIS AND METHODS FOR GRADING: (May vary by instructor):

25% Midterm Examination (objective test with essay questions that may count toward writing)
35% Final Examination (objective test with essay questions that may count toward writing)
25% Writing assignments (single or multiple assignments, the equivalent of 8 pages)
15% Participation and Discussion (attendance, logins, discussion contributions)

The grade scale used in this course is normally a 7-point scale, as follows, although instructors are free to make adjustments or modifications as circumstances permit. At times when circumstances permit, the scale may be dropped to a 10-point scale, or slightly more.

A = 93-100
B = 86-92
C = 78-85
D = 70-77
F = 69/below

ATTENDANCE POLICY: An attendance roster is kept (and login records, if this is a web-based course), and students are expected to attend all sessions on time and as scheduled. If a session and/or assignment deadline is to be missed for circumstances beyond the student's control, prior permission of the instructor must be obtained, and arrangements made for submission of the work. Regular late submission of work as well as tardiness and absenteeism will result in reduction of the final grade by at least one letter, depending upon severity. An "Incomplete" can only be given if the student has normally completed at least half the coursework, has a reasonable justification, and makes arrangements with the instructor.

DISABILITY POLICY: Any student who has a disability that may affect his/her academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me to discuss this matter, or you may contact Disability Services; telephone 221-6230; voice 221-6278; voice tty.

POLICY ON MINORS: Minors (any non-student under the age of 18) accompanying staff, faculty, students, or visitors on campus are not permitted in the classroom.

ACADEMIC AND CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT: Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times. Academic and classroom misconduct will not be tolerated. Students must read the "Code of Student Conduct" in the new Student Handbook for an understanding of what will be expected of them within the academic setting. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated, and any student found cheating or plagiarizing will receive an "F" for the work in question, and possibly an "F" for the course, and may be recommended for suspension from the University.  Cheating is defined as not working on exams or assignments alone, and plagiarism is defined as taking the work of someone else's as one's own.  APSU uses software that will identify plagiarism.

The above schedule and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.

Last updated: Dec. 15, 2012
 Not an official webpage of APSU, copyright restrictions apply, see Megalinks in Criminal Justice
O'Connor, T.  (2012). "Syllabus for Criminal Profiling," MegaLinks in Criminal Justice. Retrieved from http://www.drtomoconnor.com/4050/default.htm.