Course Title: Apply psychological concepts and principles within justice environments
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2017
Course Code: JUST5715
Course Title: Apply psychological concepts and principles within justice environments
School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6124 - Advanced Diploma of Justice
Course Contact: Irene Pagliarella, Program Manager
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4581
Course Contact Email: irene.pagliarella@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
Successful completion of, or demonstrated equivalence to, the following units of competency:
VU20861 Apply criminal law within justice environments
VU20862 Work with family violence contexts within justice environments
VU20863 Work with culturally diverse clients within justice environments
VU20864 Work with conflict resolution and mediation processes within justice environments
VU20865 Apply management and leadership within justice environments
And ONE of the following electives:
LGACOM406A Investigate alleged breaches of legislation and prepare documentation
CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector
Course Description
In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to identify and address psychological issues related to offenders and victims, within the criminal justice contexts, through recognition and immediate response of counselling and support, to long‐term response through referral and management of treatment programs.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU20856 Apply psychological concepts and principles within justice environments |
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Element: |
1. Research major social and psychological theories that explain offending behaviour |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
2. Apply counselling strategies to managing offenders in justice contexts |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
3. Develop, monitor and review treatment plan |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, you will be able to:
• Develop and implement counselling strategies to address offender needs across a range of justice contexts
• Develop, monitor and review an offender treatment plan designed to address offender issues, assist with rehabilitation, and reduce probability of recidivism
• Provide evidence of knowledge of current theories, approaches, debates and practice developments on the application of psychological concepts and principles to justice contexts
• Provide evidence of knowledge of relevant legislative and statutory requirements
Details of Learning Activities
Students will participate in a variety of learning activities, both in class and out of class.
In class activities will incorporate
Face to face lectures, simulated workplace scenarios, practical demonstrations and role-plays that identify with professional practice within the criminal justice system
· Individual oral and written questioning, and student-led group discussions and/or presentations, will exemplify your contextualizing of the class topics, and validate your learning of knowledge and skills required to identify and address psychological issues related to offenders and victims, within criminal justice settings.
Out of class activities will Incorporate
· Readings, researching case studies, completing remaining in class activities, and preparing for in class group presentations/discussions
Teaching Schedule
Session One:
Welcome
Introduction to psychology in criminal justice environments – it’s relevance and application to criminal justice
Course guide overview and time management strategies for students
Nature v Nurture and impact on behaviour
Session Two:
Overview of Assessments
Introduction to Contemporary schools of psychology;
Personality theories:
· Psychodynamic theory
· Behavioural theory
· Cognitive theory
· Learning theory
· Humanistic theory
· Trait theory
Session Three:
Core concepts of major psychological theories and links to offending behavior.
Session Four:
Psychology and the mind.
Composition of the Brain.
Emotions, thoughts and memories.
Concepts of normality and abnormality
Session Five:
Psychological Theories and discourse:
· Psychoanalysis: Freud & Jung
· Humanist: Rogers, Yalom and Perls
· Cognitive: Ellis & Beck
· Learning: Bandura
· Behaviourism: Watson & Skinner
· Forensic psychology
Session: Six
Summative Assessment One – Concept maps.
Session: Seven
Application of Psychological theories and methodolgies within criminal justice environments
Counselling processes
· Egan’s 3 stage mode
· Relationship & rapport building
· Assessment
· Establishing goals
· Termination
· Confidentiality
· Statutory reporting req.’s
Session: Eight
Parameter of own role and ethics:
· Therapeutic jurisprudence
· Referring
· Ethics in practice
· Accountability
· Reporting
· Relevant professional development
· Research
· Treatment options
Mid semester break
Session: Nine
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Application in criminal justice
Session: Ten
Psychotherapies
Session: Eleven
Treatment Planning
Criminogenic factors – risk, need and responsivity principles
Session: Twelve
Working with specialised groups
Session: Thirteen
Treatment programs and specialised groups.
Session: Fourteen
Summative Assessment Two – CBT plans
Session Fifteen
Exam Revision
Session Sixteen
Summative Assessment Three - Exam
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including role plays, observations, case studies, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, reports, group/individual training workshops, audio-visual presentations, and interaction with individuals and/or groups within the forensic mental health sector.
Assessment |
Assessment Type |
Word limit or equivalent |
Assessment (Formative) |
Range of in-class formative assessments including practice tests and in class presentation |
N/A |
|
Assessment One (Summative) |
Video role play and self critique essay |
1200 words |
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Assessment Two (Summative) |
Case study and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Treatment Plan |
1500-2000 words |
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Assessment Three (Summative) |
Exam |
N/A |
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=c15i3ciaq8ca
Assessment Tasks
Formative Assessment Task; A range of in-class and/or online quizzes need to be completed throughout the teaching schedule to assist with the demonstration of competency in the Summative assessments.
Summative Task One;
There will be a three short written tasks (300 words each) to be completed and are worth 10% each. This is a Summative task worth a combined total of 30% of your total grade. (You can choose 3 of the following; One concept map of your chosen theory, one short piece of research relating to a major psychological perspective, an obituary/ biography of a major contributor towards a major perspective of psychology or a crossword of terms and definitions relating to a chosen psychological perspective).
Further information will be provided in class.
Due Date: Week 6
Summative Task Two;
A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Treatment Plan and Counselling methodology for a client case scenario provided. This is a 1500 word treatment plan with a minimum of 5 academic references. This is a Summative Assessment Task and is worth 40% of your final grade.
CBT and Treatment Planning will be discussed in class.
A range of academic resources will be provided on the Blackboard.
Due Date: Week 13
Summative Task Three;
A final exam worth 30% of your final grade.
Students will be provided with a revision class.
Due Date: Week 17
Assessment Matrix
The assessments have been designed to cover all Learning Outcomes and will be graded in accordance with RMIT’s Mark Table which is as follows:
Competent with High Distinction |
|
CDI |
Competent with Distinction |
CC |
Competent with Credit |
CAG |
Competency Achieved - Graded |
NYC |
Not Yet Competent |
DNS |
Did not Submit for Assessment |
DNS - Did Not Submit for Assessment
Other Information
Program inherent requirements
Inherent requirements refer to the abilities, knowledge and skills you must demonstrate to:
achieve program learning outcomes
work effectively as part of a team in classroom and work-integrated learning (WIL) settings
perform effectively in classroom and WIL settings without undue risk to your own or others' health, safety and welfare.
Depending on your program of study, inherent requirements may include:
verbal and non-verbal communication skills
reading, writing and number skills
concentration, memory and problem solving
mental wellness and behavioural stability
vision, hearing, touch and smell
physical skills, such as gross and fine motor skills.
If you have any injury, illness, disability, impairment, condition or incapacity that may affect your ability to perform the inherent requirements of your program of study, we encourage you to discuss this with the Program manager to enable RMIT University to identify whether there are any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform program requirements. RMIT University wants to place you in the best possible position to use your knowledge, skills and attributes effectively in your program of study.
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of work submitted in hardcopy. For every piece of work submitted online you will complete an e-Declaration. The signed cover sheet or e-Declaration acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.
Examples of other information that could be included in this section are listed below. Please discuss with your Program Coordinator/Manager. Information needs to be consistent across the whole program.
Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
Assessment Appeals
If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:
- a) You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
- b) You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
- c) You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).
Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity
The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing
Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.
Examples of plagiarism include:
- Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
- Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
- Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
- Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
- Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
- Copying a whole or any part of another student's work; and
- Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
- Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.
For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 (unresolved) – and the RMIT Student Conduct Regulations – http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=r7a7an6qug93
Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com
Complaints Procedure:
RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.
Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.
Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy
Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22
Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf
Working with Children Check – This course requires a Working with Children Check
Police Check – This course requires a satisfactory police check
Course Overview: Access Course Overview