Introduction to Forensic Disability
Description
An examination of psychological assessment and intervention strategies as applied to the special population of offenders with an intellectual disability.
Included are considerations of:
- the postulated link between intellectual ability and offending behaviour (including historical, socio-cultural, biological, psychological and methodological issues);
- major skills and methods for the assessment of offenders with an intellectual disability;
- descriptions of, and justifications for, intervention and management programs for this particular group of offenders;
- issues arising from the characteristics of special needs groups in this population, for example, sex offenders, offenders with dual disability (mental illness as well as intellectual disability);
- selected legal issues which may involve the clinician dealing with offenders with an intellectual disability; and
- Philosophical and ethical considerations in this area.
Subject Code
CRIM90012
Credit Points
12.5 points
Objectives
Students who successfully complete this subject will:
- Explain and analyse the postulated link between intellectual disability and offending behaviour in the context of historical, socio-cultural, biological, psychological, methodological and profession issues
- Provide an awareness of specific legal issues facing offenders with an intellectual disability at each stage of their progression through the criminal justice system
- Describe the principles of clinical assessment for this group and outline some specific techniques of assessment
- Explain the principles of clinical interventions and methods of evaluating such interventions
- Provide an appreciation of the legal, philosophical and policy contexts in which much clinical decision-making takes place
Generic skills students will develop
Students who successfully complete this subject should have:
- achieved a capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning; and
- achieved an ability to incorporate theoretical principles and concepts into professional practice.
Pre-requisites and/or Co-requisites
There are no Pre-requisites for this subject
Mode of Delivery
On-campus
Contact Time
40 hours of lectures/seminars/workshops. In addition to face-to-face teaching time of 40 hours, students should expect to undertake a minimum of 120 hours research, reading, writing and general study to complete this subject successfully.
Assessment
As a post-graduate course, this subject is not simply about clinical skill development. You should also be aiming at developing the conceptual and analytic tools which will provide you with the basis for critically appraising the clinical and research literature and applying it appropriately to your own area of practice or interests. This involves not only the preparation of written papers but also oral presentations and generally “thinking on one’s feet”.
The assessment has three parts:
- Individual written assessment: 3,000 words (75%). Due 29th June 2012
- Oral presentation: 20-25 minutes plus 5 - 10 minutes Q&A time; completed in class and in pairs (20%)
- Individual commentary (5%)
Subject Coordinator
Dr William Glaser
Venue
University College, College Crescent, Parkville, Victoria.
Dates
Introduction to Forensic Disability
Course dates: 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th & 30th March 2012
Morning sessions: 9.15 a.m. to 12.15 p.m.
Afternoon sessions: 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Course Fee
The 2012 fee for a single subject is:
- $2,260 for the assessed stream; or
- $1,870 (GST inclusive) for the non-assessed stream.
Course materials are included – a pre-reading folder, course notes, Student Services Handbook and Study Guide. A pen and notepad are also supplied. Catering is provided at morning and afternoon tea and at lunch times. Please advise of any specific dietary requirements.
Students will not receive their results until course fees are paid.
Brochure
Introduction to Forensic Disability
Prescribed Textbook
A pre-reading folder with articles and references will be mailed out to students before the course begins.
Application Process
Applications are managed by Student Services.
Applications Close: Friday 2nd March 2012
Further Information
Ms Rebecca Phelps
Project Manager
Melbourne Consulting and Custom Programs
University of Melbourne
442 Auburn Road
Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122
Email: phelpsr@unimelb.edu.au
Telephone: +61 3 9810 3320 Fax: +61 3 9810 3149