HONR 395 - Serial Killers

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 0

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 100 or the equivalent

Restriction(s): Restricted to students who are in the Honors Program or eligible for the Honors program with a GPA of 3.3

Corequisite(s): None

This course focuses on the study of serial killers / mass murderers, and their victims. The course provides an overview of current thinking of the phenomenon of mass and serial murder, including exploring cultural, biological, psychological and sociological frameworks for such murders in the USA and other countries. Myths versus facts concerning these murders will be examined, and differences between serial murders and mass murders explored. The course will analyze modus operandi and signatures of serial murderers, and emphasize investigative techniques to identify and apprehend such killers. Early warning signs, preventive strategies, and victimization are also examined, along with the roles of police agencies and the media, in order to develop strategies to avoid serial and mass murder.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Identify mass and serial murderers, their profiles, methods, motivations and victims.
Analyze serial and mass murder situations and research data to assist in comprehending the scope of the criminal behavior in the U.S. and in other countries.
Critically analyze factual scenarios that require application of investigative techniques to case examples
Apply critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills by finding data pertaining to Serial and Mass Murder in the U.S. and other countries, synthesizing that information, and incorporating it into case studies, assignments and/or writing projects.