Criminal Profiling

Catalog description

This course explores the use of typologies and profiles in criminological theory and criminal justice practice with focus on profiling of violent crimes. Central topics in the course include the purpose of typologies in criminal justice, criminal profiling and serial murder. This course is intended to provide students with a general understanding of the theory and purpose of criminal typologies and focused review of the literature on criminal profiling. Teaching students how to become "profilers" is beyond the scope of this course. Instead, students will be introduced to the theory and practice of profiling, and the scientific literature on criminal profiling and serial murder. Students will be engaged in critical discussion of the use of typologies and profiles in the criminal justice system. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to the existing profiles of a variety of offenders, offenses and victims through the analysis of case studies. Finally, students will connect course material to reality crime television ("First 48," "Cold Case Files," "Forensic Files," etc.) to determine how behavioral crime myths are often perpetuated by the media.