Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the impact of historical events on criminology and psychology.

Materials and Prep

• Internet access for research
• Notebook and pen
• Open mind and curiosity

Activities

1. Research a historical criminal case and write a summary of the events leading to the crime and its impact on society.

2. Create a timeline of major historical events and their influence on the development of criminology and psychology.

3. Watch a documentary or read an article about the psychological profiling of a famous criminal and analyze the methods used.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• Historical events have shaped the way we understand crime and human behavior. For example, the Industrial Revolution led to urbanization and new forms of crime. This quote from a historian helps us understand: "The changes in society during the Industrial Revolution brought about new challenges for law enforcement and the study of criminal behavior."
• Psychology plays a crucial role in understanding criminal behavior. As we learn about historical cases, we can explore the psychological motives behind the actions. A psychologist once said, "The study of criminal psychology allows us to delve into the complex human mind and understand the reasons behind criminal behavior."
• Studying historical criminal cases helps us understand the evolution of criminology and the development of forensic science. As we explore these cases, we can see how advancements in science and technology have influenced the investigation of crimes. This quote from a criminologist explains it well: "The history of criminology reflects the continuous improvement in our ability to investigate and solve criminal cases."