Online Class: Serial Killers 101

Name: Serial Killers 101
Price: 95.00 USD

Unravel the mysteries surrounding serial killers by dissecting their mindsets, motivations, and societal interactions, moving beyond sensationalized portrayals to reveal deeper psychological truths. Delve into individual case studies of notorious figures to understand the complex interplay of factors leading to their infamous acts.

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20

Lessons
41

Exams &
Assignments
1,895

Students
have taken this course
12

Hours
average time
1.2

CEUs

Course Description

What compels an individual to stray so far from societal norms, to commit heinous acts that most of us cannot even fathom? What exists within the hidden crevices of their psyche? These questions often linger in our minds as we read, watch, or hear about these chilling characters who, alarmingly, walk among us, blending seamlessly into the tapestry of society.

This course offers a riveting journey into the macabre, debunking myths while shining a light on the dark truths. Some common misconceptions we'll unravel include:

Serial killers being solely driven by twisted sexual desires.
The inevitability of their killing spree, rendering them powerless against their own compulsions.
Their universal insanity or inherent malevolence since birth.
The early-life signs, hinting at the monstrous paths they'd tread on.
The oversimplification of their categorization solely based on motives.

Embark on a spine-tingling exploration of twenty serial killers. While the likes of Jack the Ripper and Ted Bundy have become household names, there are others like Harold Shipman and Aileen Wuornos whose tales are equally haunting. Delve into the intricate fabric of their lives -- from their formative years to the methodologies of their gruesome acts and their eventual trysts with justice.

Beyond the mere recounting of events, this course also dissects the psychological underpinnings, the myriad factors that possibly drove these individuals to commit their chilling acts of violence. As we navigate these dark waters, a deeper understanding of human behavior, society's role, and the intricate dance of nature and nurture emerges.

Prepare to be entranced and, at times, disturbed as you journey into this course. Arm yourself not just with an inquisitive mind, but perhaps, for comfort's sake, an extra lamp by your side. As we tread this shadowy path together, remember that by understanding darkness, we're better equipped to appreciate the light. Welcome to an odyssey like no other.

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Understanding Addictions

Home Safety

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Completely Online
Self-Paced
Printable Lessons
Full HD Video
6 Months to Complete
24/7 Availability
Start Anytime
PC & Mac Compatible
Android & iOS Friendly
Accredited CEUs

Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(1,289 votes)

Lesson 1. Understanding the Mind of a Serial Killer: Nature vs. Nurture

Serial killers originate from a complex interplay of their hereditary traits and life circumstances, with early trauma and socialization playing pivotal roles. While the FBI affirms that their own choices ultimately drive these individuals to kill, motivations range from anger and financial gain to sexual urges and the thrill of power. 11 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-StudyGuide-18526.pdf
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Introduction Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Jack the Ripper: A Tale of Terror in Victorian London

Jack the Ripper's influence transcended his era, with his iconography and case details persisting in popular culture and criminology, inciting theories about the killer's anatomical precision and psychological profile. As suspects range from medical professionals to close acquaintances, the unclosed case beckons modern forensic strategies, yet the truth remains elusive. 35 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video A
Lesson 2 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-HomeWork-18527.pdf
Complete Assignment: Jack the Ripper
Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. The Terrifying Legacy of Edward Gein

The notorious acts of Ed Gein, including body-snatching and murder, cemented his legacy as a real-life horror story and inspired characters in iconic movies. His deeply unsettling behavior was indicative of severe psychological issues fueled by his oppressive upbringing. 34 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video A
Lesson 3 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-StudyGuide-18529.pdf
Complete Assignment: Edward Gein
Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. The Boston Strangler: A Crime Unsolved

In the 1960s, the Boston Strangler terrorized the city by targeting women in their homes, leading to widespread fear amidst a backdrop of social upheaval. Albert DeSalvo's murky confessions and the lack of physical evidence initially complicated the case, until DNA proof in 2013 linked him to one of the victims, though doubts linger about the other murders. 35 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video A
Lesson 4 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-WorkSheet-18531.pdf
Complete Assignment: Albert Desalvo
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Signs Unseen: The Early Warnings of Edmund Kemper

In 1973, after confessing to eight murders and providing extensive details to investigators, Kemper was tried, convicted, and received eight concurrent life sentences at the California Medical Facility. His notoriety was further cemented by his willingness to participate in interviews, influencing portrayals in media like Netflix's Mindhunter. 35 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video A
Lesson 5 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-Activity-18533.pdf
Complete Assignment: Edmund Kemper
Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. Maternal Betrayal: The Story of Waneta Hoyt

Waneta Hoyt's case marked a disturbing deviation from typical serial murderers, as she lethally turned against her progeny, camouflaging her crimes with the guise of SIDS. Psychological evaluations later suggested potential mental disorders as the driving force behind her actions, challenging the notion of her culpability. 35 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video A
Lesson 6 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-StudyGuide-18536.pdf
Complete Assignment: Wanet Hoyt
Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. Ciphered Clues and Chilling Crimes

The Zodiac Killer, infamous for his gruesome murders and ominous correspondence with authorities, remains unidentified despite extensive investigations and advances in forensic technology. The long-standing suspicion around Arthur Lee Allen was refuted by later DNA analysis, perpetuating the mystery surrounding the true identity of the killer. 35 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video A
Lesson 7 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-Activity-18538.pdf
Complete Assignment: Zodiac Killer
Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. John Wayne Gacy's Twisted Legacy

John Wayne Gacy's double life as a respected contractor and ruthless serial killer came to an end with his arrest after witnesses connected him to his final victim. His execution in 1994, after a public trial and claims of multiple personality disorder, closed the case on one of America's most notorious killers. 35 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video A
Lesson 8 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-HomeWork-18541.pdf
Complete Assignment: John Wayne Gacy
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9. Bundy: A Monster Beneath the Charm

Ted Bundy's descent into crime solidified after the emotional betrayal by his college lover and the discovery of his illegitimate birth, leading him to seek revenge on women who resembled her. His murders, characterized by manipulation and brutality, remained unresolved across various states until his arrest following a failed abduction attempt. 35 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video A
Lesson 9 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-Activity-18543.pdf
Complete Assignment: Ted Bundy
Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. Pee Wee's Dark Journey: From Troubled Youth to Notorious Killer

Despite warnings from psychological assessments of his homicidal tendencies, Pee Wee Gaskins continually evaded long-term captivity through trickery and sheer violence, only to casually recount horrific crimes to the police later. His life, a web of manipulations and murder, ended in notoriety, underscored by his elaborate prison murder plot resulting in his final execution sentence. 35 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video A
Lesson 10 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-WorkSheet-18545.pdf
Complete Assignment: Donald Harry 'Pee Wee' Gaskins
Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. Berkowitz: A New York Nightmare

In a crisis-ridden 1970s New York City, the fear of a seemingly random serial killer, known as the Son of Sam, gripped citizens amidst their disco nights and dreams for the future. The criminal, David Berkowitz, whose turbulent feelings of abandonment and unreciprocated familial love drove him towards violence, ultimately terrorized and unified the city in terror. 35 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video A
Lesson 11 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-StudyGuide-18546.pdf
Complete Assignment: Son of Sam
Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. An Oath Broken: The Doctor Who Killed Hundreds

Harold Shipman's story is one of chilling duplicity, where he wielded his medical expertise to silently kill over 200 unsuspecting victims, drawing a veil of trust that delayed justice for years. Ultimately, legal proceedings uncovered a macabre pattern of deception, yet Shipman's refusal to confess left many questions unanswered as he orchestrated his final act of control in prison. 34 Total Points

Lesson 12 Video A
Lesson 12 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-Activity-18548.pdf
Complete Assignment: Harold Shipman
Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13. The Life and Crimes of BTK

Living a facade of normalcy as a church leader and family man, Dennis Rader secretly led a life fueled by dark fantasies and a compulsion to 'bind, torture, and kill.' His reign of terror, marked by chilling letters to the media and law enforcement, spanned decades before he was finally captured and sentenced to life imprisonment. 35 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video A
Lesson 13 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-StudyGuide-18550.pdf
Complete Assignment: Using the Format from Lesson #1, Please tell us about Dennis Rader.
Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14. Darkness in the City of Angels: The Reign of Richard Ramirez

Growing up in an abusive environment in El Paso, Richard Ramirez was heavily influenced by his cousin Miguel, a Vietnam War veteran who introduced him to violence and Satanism, setting a dark path that later manifested in his brutal crimes. Despite showing potential as a student, Ramirez's immersion in criminal activities and drug use spiraled as he transitioned to Los Angeles, paving the way for his emergence as a notorious serial killer. 35 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video A
Lesson 14 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-14-HomeWork-18551.pdf
Complete Assignment: Richard Ramirez
Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15. The Green River Case

Despite being questioned in 1983, Gary Ridgway eluded capture due to lack of evidence and a passed polygraph. Later, DNA analysis of old evidence linked him to multiple murders, resulting in a conviction and him avoiding the death penalty through a plea deal acknowledging 48 killings. 35 Total Points

Lesson 15 Video A
Lesson 15 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-15-HomeWork-18553.pdf
Complete Assignment: Ridgway
Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16. Psychological Horrors: A Detailed Account of Jeffrey Dahmer

Born in 1960, Jeffrey Dahmer's early life appeared normal until a move to Ohio seemed to trigger a change, leading to isolation, burgeoning dark fantasies, and alcohol abuse. By high school, his disturbing interests and alcoholism escalated as he grappled with his sexuality and homicidal urges. 61 Total Points

Lesson 16 Video A
Lesson 16 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-16-StudyGuide-18555.pdf
Complete Assignment: Jeffrey Dahmer
Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17. Andrei Chikatilo: Prolific Predator of the Soviet Era

Andrei Chikatilo appeared as an ordinary teacher, yet he became known as 'The Butcher of Rostov' due to his horrific murders in Ukraine. These crimes, fueled by personal inadequacies and suppressed by the Soviet government, remained largely undetected until his arrest and execution in 1994. 35 Total Points

Lesson 17 Video A
Lesson 17 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-17-HomeWork-18557.pdf
Complete Assignment: Who Was This Guy?
Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam

Lesson 18. Wayne Williams and the Atlanta Child Murders

The Atlanta Child Murders in the late 1970s created a climate of fear amidst the city's rapid growth and racial tension. Wayne Williams was convicted of two adult murders amidst a backdrop of disputed evidence, leaving lingering doubts about his involvement in the child murders. 60 Total Points

Lesson 18 Video A
Lesson 18 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-18-WorkSheet-18559.pdf
Complete Assignment: Why did Williams do what he did?
Assessment: Lesson 18 Exam

Lesson 19. The Complex Path of Aileen Wuornos

A victim of abuse and neglect, Aileen Wuornos resorted to violence and crime in search of survival and control. Her life ended on death row, cementing her as one of America's most infamous female serial killers. 60 Total Points

Lesson 19 Video A
Lesson 19 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-19-Downloadable-18561.pdf
Complete Assignment: Aileen Wournos
Assessment: Lesson 19 Exam

Lesson 20. In the Shadows: The Lethal Craft of Israel Keyes

In the late 20th century, advances in forensic science helped reduce the prevalence of serial killers, yet figures like Israel Keyes, active in the early 2000s, remained elusive due to his nomadic nature and random victim selection. Keyes, a meticulous planner known for his 'kill kits,' killed at least three identified victims and possibly up to 11 or more, confounding investigators with his unpredictability and lack of a discernible pattern. 140 Total Points

Lesson 20 Video A
Lesson 20 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-20-HomeWork-18563.pdf
Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Reasons for Taking this Course; Course Comments
Complete Assignment: Israel Keyes
Assessment: Lesson 20 Exam
Assessment: Final Exam

855

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define the characteristics that distinguish a serial killer from other types of murderers, including motivations and behavioral patterns.
Describe the role of nature and nurture in the development of a serial killer's behavior, considering psychological, social, and biological factors.
Define the socio-economic factors that contributed to the vulnerability of women in Whitechapel during the late 19th century.
Describe the investigative challenges and societal attitudes towards crime that perpetuated the mystery of Jack the Ripper's identity.
Describe the psychological factors from Edward Gein's early life that may have influenced his criminal behavior.
Identify three movies inspired by Edward Gein's story and describe their main characters and themes.
Define the psychological and environmental factors that may have contributed to Albert DeSalvo's criminal behavior.
Identify the key similarities and differences among the victims of The Boston Strangler to evaluate DeSalvo's alleged involvement.
Analyze how Edmund Kemper's early childhood experiences contributed to his development as a serial killer.
Define the psychological traits associated with serial killers as demonstrated by Edmund Kemper.
Analyze the confessional evidence and psychological evaluations' roles in Waneta Hoyt's conviction process.
Identify the statistical uniqueness of Waneta Hoyt's case compared to typical serial killers using key demographic factors.
Define the psychological motivations behind The Zodiac Killer's actions by identifying key elements that demonstrate his need for publicity and power.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
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Course Title: Serial Killers 101

Course Number: 9770590

Lessons Rating: 4.72 / 5 Stars (1,289 votes)

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Category:

UniversalClass.com > Psychology > Social Science

Availability: You can take this course online in every U.S. state including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. International availability includes English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.

Last Updated: December 2023

CEU Value: 1.2 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Instructor: Christopher McKenna

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

"Outstanding!!! Feedback was great, thought provoking. I have taken several courses a few years ago, and this was by far the best laid out class I've had. Response time to questions and to grades was great!" -- Cheryl S.
"This was a very interesting course that gives a lot of insight into the minds of very disturbed people." -- Joe L.
"I absolutely loved this class! I learned so much and the instructor was great with his feedback." -- Erin F.