Serial Offenders: Analysis & Investigation

Course Language: English
 
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 Schedule
  • April 1-June 21, 2024
  • July 1-September 20, 2024
  • September 30-December 20, 2024
Description
 

This course will examine the different types of serial offenders. Students will study the methods of case analysis and crime linkage. This course will examine factors that influence serious violent criminals and their behavior. Students will learn the investigative process as it applies to serial offenders by examining case linkage analysis, profiling serial offenders, and victimology. This course will focus specifically on serial murder, rape, arson, robbery, burglary and sex offenders. Case studies are used throughout the course to thoroughly examine the behavioral aspects of serial offenders, the aspects of serial crimes and the investigative process.

Caveat:  The materials we will be covering contain graphic photos and disturbing content, which can be upsetting to some. This class covers some violent criminal cases in order for us to learn and analyze offender behavior. Please be advised about this material, as it can be disturbing. Please shield your screen from others.

Optional textbook: Serial Crime: A Criminological and Psychological Analysis, Kevin Borgeson; Stephanie Vogel & Robin. Maria Valeri, 2nd Edition. Carolina Academic Press, 2024.  Print ISBN 9781531016906, 1531016901; eText ISBN 9781531016913, 153101691X (This book is entirely optional. It is not necessary to pass the class, but will enhance your learning!)

Format

This is an intermediate level course. Students are suggested to have a basic understanding of analytical skills and/or 2-3 years of experience.

Students should expect a time commitment of 3-5 hours per week to gain a passing grade. The course will be graded as a pass/fail. This is not a self-paced course; we will advance to each new topic week as a group. Students can login anytime to work as needed, there are no live sessions. Participation throughout the course is required for a passing grade. As a rule, bulk submissions of your work during the last week of class will not be accepted unless you have received prior authorization from the instructor. 

Invitations to the learning platform will be sent the week before class starts. For more information on how the 12-week online classes work, please see our FAQs page.

Click here for a PDF flyer.


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