History & Ethics of Forensic Investigation

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the beginnings of scientific criminology and forensic investigation. This is done in the context of Enlightenment thinking and continues the historical development of forensic investigation through present day. The epistemology of investigation as a philosophy of science, methods of reasoning (induction, deduction, or a combination thereof), the weighing of evidence in the search for the truth, and cognitive dissonance are explored. The ethical obligations of forensic investigators are also touched on. The course challenges students to think critically about the role of forensic examination in criminal investigations. Components: Class Prereqs/Coreqs: P: FORENSIC 1320 and sophomore standing Typically Offered: Fall - Spring