ACE

AP1841: Mental Health and Crime

Credit Weighting:	15
No. of Students:	Min 20, Max 30.
Pre-requisite(s):	None.
Co-requisite(s):	None.
Teaching Period(s):	Semesters 1 and 2.
Teaching Methods:	6 x 3hr(s) Lectures; 2 x 1hr(s) Tutorials; 4hr(s) Other (on-line discussion and group work on Blackboard); 12hr(s) Other (library research. Data collection, analysis, interpretation, recording)
Module Co-ordinator:	Dr Ciara Staunton, Centre for Adult Continuing Education.
Lecturer(s):	Staff, School of Applied Psychology, and invited guest lecturers where appropriate.
Module Objective:	This module will provide an overview of the criminal responsibility, psychological disorders and criminal behaviours of mentally ill offenders.
Module Content:	This module will introduce students to the study of mental illness and its correlates with criminal behaviour. Topics covered will include: The concept of 'insanity'; The problem of evidence; Competency issues; The classification of mental illness: DSM; Mental illness and violence; Personality disorders (PDs); Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD); Sadistic Personality Disorder (SPD); Psychopathy. Students will complete a psychological assessment in class from which data is generated and results obtained so that it can be written up in a report style. This assignment is consistent with the standards expected of an academic paper for publication. The report must consist of the following sections: Title; Abstract; Introduction; Literature Review; Method Section; Results; Discussion; References.
Learning Outcome:	On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: Provide an historical overview of the concept of 'insanity' and define what it means in the current Irish legal system. Extrapolate two mental health problems that have been associated as risk factors for criminal behaviour. Illustrate the competency issues in a court of law that are associated with an individual suffering from a mental health problem. Provide an overview of the DSM classification of mental illness and personality disorders. Discuss the role of mental illness in violent offending. Outline what is meant by Personality Disorder and give detailed descriptions of two PDs. Discuss whether psychopaths are mad or bad. Develop Critical Thinking Skills through the assessment for this module.
Assessment:	Total Marks 300: Continuous Assessment 300 marks (1 x 3,000 word report write-up, 100 marks; Group presentation, 100 marks; Engagement in online activities as prescribed by the course tutor, 100 marks).
Compulsory Elements:	Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of course/project work etc.):	Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 5% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is submitted up to and including 14 days late, 10% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Work submitted 15 days late or more shall be assigned a mark of zero.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module:	40%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile:	No Formal Written Examination.
Requirements for Supplemental Examination:	Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (as prescribed by the Module Coordinator).

University College Cork

Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh

College Road, Cork T12 K8AF

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