Introduction
The Summer School on Crime, Law and Psychology is an exciting opportunity to broaden your knowledge and gain your own perspective on the interplay between law and psychology when examining the criminal behavior of individuals and dealing with the problem of crime.
The academic part of the program will present issues raised by different approaches to psychology and law to the criminal justice system. This will provoke discussions, generating new ideas about the application of scientific knowledge in practice. Students will discuss these issues with academics and practitioners during guest lectures, as well as outside the classroom during site visits and special events.
An equally important component of the Summer School on CLP is aimed at bringing together a group of outstanding international students and facilitate an opportunity to exchange academic and cultural experiences in the classroom and at special events. Intercultural exposure is an important aspect of learning from each other. It poses the opportunity to impact one’s perspective about other nations and cultures and give new skills and insights for future development.
Objectives
The relevance of legal and psychological approaches in dealing with criminal behavior has recently become a topic for debate among scientists as well as practitioners in the criminal justice system. Psychology and law have different visions of the problem, but their intersection constitutes an important concern when dealing with criminal behaviors of individuals. In addition, methods of research used in psychology can be utilized to inform the practices and processes of the criminal justice system. In both cases, psychological knowledge is a critical source of information, the use of which could prevent unjust situations enforced by law. The Summer School was designed to bring together the issues connecting crime, psychology and law and demonstrate the magnitude of this connection in dealing with criminality.
The curriculum outlined is central to the design and purpose of the Summer School. As a part of the program, students will gain knowledge about the application of psychological approaches and research methods in the processes and practices of the criminal justice system. Courses on eyewitness testimony, false and recovered memories, identification evidence and the legal process, wrongful convictions and false confessions will enable students to understand the importance of scientific knowledge in order to avoid biased court procedures and unjust sentences.
The aim of the program is to provide students with a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge on the role of psychological knowledge in the criminal justice system by listening to professors from the UK and US universities and to engage in interactive debates with guest lectures, practitioners and fellow students. By participating in the program, students will benefit not only from enhancing their intellectual resources but also from sharing ideas with other students during class discussions and various social events. Exposure to intercultural experience is also a key element of the program. Visit ACADEMICS to find out more about the program.
Program History
Since 2003 Prague Summer Schools brought to Prague more than a thousand outstanding students from all over the world for an intensive academic week to learn and discuss various topics. In 2006, SCHOLA EMPIRICA launched the Prague Summer School on Crime, Law and Psychology, which is organized in cooperation with professors from top US and UK universities. Over 400 outstanding students have attended the summer school since its launch.
Founders Word
Dear Students and Colleagues,
Let me take this opportunity to invite you to the Summer School on Crime, Law and Psychology! The Summer School is an exciting opportunity for you to broaden your knowledge as well gain your own perspective on the interplay between law and psychology when examining criminal behaviour of individuals and dealing with the problem of crime.
The academic part of the program will present issues raised by different approaches of psychology and law to the criminal justice system and will provoke discussions generating new ideas about the application of scientific knowledge in practice. Students will discuss these issues with academics and practitioners during guest lecturers, as well outside the classroom during site visits and special events.
An equally important component of the Summer School is aimed at bringing together a group of outstanding international students and providing students with an opportunity to exchange academic and cultural experiences during the classes and special events organized by Prague Summer Schools.
I also invite students to “brief in” the history and culture of Prague. Being famous for its miraculous historic architecture, the city has preserved a unique atmosphere, which survived through the Nazi and Communist destructions. There are simply not enough words to describe the beauty and splendour of Prague.
Recalling the success of our previous programs, I believe that Summer School on Crime, Law and Psychology will be an unforgettable experience for the faculty members as well for the students.
So do not let this wonderful adventure pass you by!
Egle Havrdova, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Prague Summer Schools
Testimonials
“It was an amazing experience and I would love to come back one more time. The organizing of the events, classes, etc. was perfect, and the lecturers and assistants were really nice and friendly. I made lots of new friends and enjoyed the city of Prague very much.”
Alumni of Summer School on Crime, Law and Psychology 2017
“I really enjoyed meeting new people who have different perceptions of each topic.” “The program is well organized and really enjoyable. Great Experience!”
“Great education, very happy! I would recommend it to everyone.”
“Loved it: great classes, lectures and people. Thank you.”
Alumni of Summer School on Crime, Law and Psychology 2016
“Classes and teachers were diverse and interesting and there was a nice mix of academics and fun.”
“It was amazing, once in a lifetime experience!”
Alumni of Summer School on Crime, Law and Psychology 2015
“I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful summer I had while participating in the 2013 Summer Schools on both Crime, Law and Psychology as well as Globalization. Not only did it provide me with the opportunity to meet students from around the globe, but also it increased my knowledge of the subject areas immensely. The program allowed for free time to explore the magnificent city and had a balance of both education and enjoyment. I hope one day to re-visit Prague. Best wishes for many more successful years at the summer school. I miss it everyday!”
Alexis Allen, University of Western Ontario, Canada
“It was an amazing experience, I loved both the Summer School on Crime, Law and Psychology 2014 and Prague! Lectures, professors, trips, assistance, everything was really well organized for us to make most of this program! I would like to congratulate all of you for the unforgettable experience that I had in Prague! I met great people, learned lots of new things, enjoyed as much of the city as I could and came back to Greece with numerous memories from this whole week! I hope you will continue organizing programs like this!”
Barbara Mathiopoulou, National University of Athens, Greece
Logistics
The classes will be held at the Prague Summer Schools venue (Marianeum, Machova 7, Vinohrady, Prague 2, website). Accommodation will be provided to students in double rooms at the accommodation facilities in the venue or Hotel Ametyst which is located within a walking distance from the venue. Each room is equipped with a shower, WC, satellite TV, Internet connection and telephone. Meals are provided by the organizer and will include breakfasts served at the hotel and dinners in restaurants located nearby the Summer School venue. As the days are demanding, there will be coffee, tea, and small snack available which is included during the breaks between lectures.