9th-12th: Forensic Psychology

Teacher Info:

Teacher Name: Nicolette Sommer

Teacher Email: rhegansmom@gmail.com

Monthly Cost, Fees and Deposit

Tuition: $240 per year

payable in monthly installments of $30

Deposit: $30 (due at registration)

Supply/Materials Fee: $30 (due at registration)

Digital Payment Address: Venmo: @Nicolette-Sommer-1

Class Details

Class Time: 2nd Hour

Grades: 9th-12th

Midterm Enrollment: Yes

Prerequisite: none

Estimated Homework Hours: 1-2 hours

Required Materials or Books:
1) Binder

2) Spiral Notebook

3) Pens and Highlighters

I will provide everything else in weekly packets.

Class Description

Ever wondered how criminal profilers think? Or how courts decide whether someone is mentally fit to stand trial? In Forensic Psychology, we will explore the science behind criminal behavior and how psychologists work with law enforcement and the legal system. We’ll examine real-world cases, debate ethical dilemmas, and learn how psychology helps solve crimes and shape justice.
Students will explore how psychological principles apply to criminal investigations, courtroom procedures, criminal behavior, and rehabilitation. Topics may include criminal profiling, eyewitness testimony, interrogation methods, mental illness and crime, and the role of expert witnesses. The course emphasizes critical thinking, ethical discussion, and real-world case analysis.

Through case studies and discussion, students develop analytical thinking skills while learning how science, law, and ethics intersect.

The material is presented at an age-appropriate level and focuses on understanding behavior rather than graphic details.

Weekly Topics Layout:

1) Introduction to Forensic Psychology
2) Criminal Behavior Theories
3) The Criminal Mind & Personality Disorders
4) Eyewitness Testimony & Memory
5) Interrogations & False Confessions
6) Insanity Defense & Competency
7) Juvenile Justice
8) Criminal Profiling
9) Psychology of Serial Offenders
10) Victimology
11) Jury Decision-Making
12) Ethics in Forensic Psychology

Weekly Packet that I will provide will consist of the following:

Weekly Packet Structure

* Topic of the week
* Essential question (e.g., “What makes someone criminally responsible?”)
* Learning objectives
* Vocabulary list
* Teacher-created notes
*Carefully selected articles

It will also include homework that is due the next class time.

* 3–5 discussion questions
*One ethical dilemma
*One debate prompt
Example: Should juveniles be tried as adults in violent crimes?

I would like for the students to be prepared for in-class discussions.

Grades will depend on:
* 15% Homework
* 15% Participation & Discussion
* 30% Quizzes
* 40% Tests

Brazos Valley Co-op