Gifted CourseCLOSED

Minds on Trial: Forensic Psychology

Uncover how the study of human behavior helps serve justice.

Instructor:

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Course Description

Are you intrigued by the psychology of crime? Delve into the fascinating field of forensic psychology, where science meets the courtroom, and human behavior becomes critical evidence to solve legal puzzles. Through case studies, role-playing exercises, psychological experiments, and mock trials, students will investigate how mental health, behavior, and the law interact. Topics will include criminal profiling, eyewitness testimony, the psychology of deception, mental competency, and the treatment of juvenile offenders. With a focus on ethics and real-world applications, students will analyze famous cases, examine current practices in forensic assessment, and consider how psychology can promote justice and reform. *Gifted course, see Admissions Criteria for eligibility requirements.

Example Activities & Projects:

Eyewitness Reliability Lab: Conduct experiments to explore how memory can be influenced and misremembered.
Lie Detection Workshop: Learn about physiological and behavioral cues used to detect deception, and evaluate the accuracy of polygraph testing.
Criminal Profiling Challenge: Analyze a fictional case file and develop a psychological profile of a suspect.
Mock Competency Hearing: Role-play a courtroom scenario to assess whether a defendant is mentally fit to stand trial.
Case Study Analysis: Examine real-life forensic psychology cases involving insanity pleas, false confessions, or serial offenders.

Course Outcomes:

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

Understand the role and responsibilities of forensic psychologists within the legal system.
Analyze human behavior through the lens of psychological theories in legal and criminal contexts.
Evaluate the reliability and ethical considerations of forensic methods like lie detection and eyewitness accounts.
Apply psychological concepts to assess mental competency and criminal intent.
Strengthen critical thinking, communication, and argumentation skills through case analysis and mock legal proceedings.

AT A GLANCE

Minds on Trial: Forensic Psychology

GRADE LEVELGrades 9-12CAMPUSYale UniversityFIELD OF STUDYPsychology & Social ScienceCOURSE TYPEINDIVIDUAL COURSEDATES7/5/2026 - 7/24/2026 (3 Weeks)COURSE TIMESAfternoon

Course Syllabus

To view a sample syllabus, please contact your program specialist, or reach us at info@summerdiscovery.com or call +1 (516) 447-4907.

Admissions Criteria

View the eligibility requirements for the Institute for the Gifted on our FAQ page (hyperlink to FAQs).
Completed Summer Discovery application.

Who should attend this course?

This course is ideal for students interested in psychology, law, criminal justice, or behavioral science. You will advance your understanding of psychology and its applications and help you determine whether a professional track at the intersection of science and law is right for you.

Benefits of Attending this Course

In addition to a university-level course experience, students will leave this course with portfolio-building documentation in recognition of their summer achievements, including:

• Course Completion Certificate demonstrating your successful completion of the Summer Discovery Yale University program

• Letter of Recognition from Summer Discovery recognizing your academic achievement in completing this course

AT A GLANCE

Minds on Trial: Forensic Psychology

GRADE LEVELGrades 9-12CAMPUSYale UniversityFIELD OF STUDYPsychology & Social ScienceCOURSE TYPEINDIVIDUAL COURSEDATES7/5/2026 - 7/24/2026 (3 Weeks)COURSE TIMESAfternoon

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAMPUS

Yale University

Summer Discovery Certificate of Completion

After successfully finishing this course, you will be awarded a certification completion for your accomplishment.

*This is a preview, not what you will receive