PSY 759

About this course

This course provides a state-of-the-science review of the psychopathic personality and detailed instruction on assessment using the PCL-R. The first half of the class covers major theoretical models, conceptual questions, and etiological pathways of psychopathy. Other topics such as psychopathic subtypes, related disorders, and the relationship between psychopathy, violence and criminal behavior will be explored. Manifestations of psychopathy in specific populations are addressed (i.e. juveniles, women and successful psychopaths). The second part of the class will cover the identification and assessment of psychopathy using various assessment measures, with a focus on training students to ethically and responsibly use the Hare's Psychopathy Checklist - Rrevised (PCL-R).