AFP Courses

PSYC 110: Forensic Psychology  

Forensic Psychology refers broadly to all matters at the interface of psychology and law. This includes the production and application of psychological science and knowledge to legal issues. In addition to exploring the history of Forensic Psychology, this course will examine key aspects of the five subspecialties of forensic psychology: Police Psychology (officer selection, exposure to stress and trauma, use of force); Investigative Psychology (offender and geographic profiling, interrogation techniques); Criminal Psychology (theories of crime, offender types, sex/gender/cultural issues with particular attention to the overrepresentation of Indigenous people and people of colour in the criminal and correctional justice systems); Correctional Psychology (history of prisons, sentencing principles, rehabilitation); and Legal Psychology (assessments of fitness and criminal responsibility, forensic risk evaluations, trial consultation).  

PSYC 257: Professional Skills and Practicum Training I  

This course will introduce AFP students to the professional skills that are essential for success in practicum placements, work settings; undergraduate, graduate and professional studies. These skills include: effective communication (oral, written, listening); critical, analytical, and creative thinking; intercultural competency; inclusivity and diversity; problem solving and conflict resolution; leadership and teamwork; professional ethics and integrity; personal wellness; and career development. These skills are requisite for success in any field and should enhance a student’s success with their undergraduate studies, their candidacy for employment and training post-graduation, as well as their overall psychological health and wellbeing.   

PSYC 376: Abnormal Psychology Pharmacology of Drugs of Abuse  

This course deals with current perspectives and research on various psychological disorders. Courses in learning, brain and behaviour, developmental psychology, and personality form a useful background for this course. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 376 or PSYC 370. Prerequisite: 6 credits PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.  

PSYC 378: Human Sexuality  

This course provides a broad introduction to research and theory in human sexuality. It includes examination of fundamental topics such as the nature of human sexuality and contemporary issues. Specific topics include historical perspective, theories of sexuality, sex research, sexual anatomy, sexual variation, sexual response, gender, sexual dysfunction and sex therapy.  

PSYC 379: Introduction to Clinical Psychology   

This course introduces the theory, research and practice of clinical psychology. It assumes an evidence-based approach to assessment and treatment of psychological disorders, and examination of relevant ethical, professional, and theoretical issues. This course will be of interest to students intending to pursue graduate or professional studies in mental health or human services (e.g., 106 2016-2017 StFX clinical psychology, social work, counseling, nursing, law, medicine, corrections). Prerequisites: 12 credits of PSYC, including PSYC 370 or 376. Three credits.  

PSYC 381: Correctional Psychology  

This 3-credit course covers the history and mandate of corrections; nature of offending behaviour; assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of different types of offenders (youth, women, sexual, homicidal). Field trips to prisons and other correctional facilities are a required component of this course and involve a significant commitment of time beyond scheduled class time.