Online Class: Serial Killers 101

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
  • 1,903
    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.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • 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:
4.7 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,290 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.
 

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

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Serial Killers 101
Course Number: 9770590
Lessons Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars (1,290 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Enroll in this course from any U.S. state, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also accessible to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, 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
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.

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