CRIJ 104 Introduction to Corrections

This course introduces the history, theory practices, and research in adult, juvenile, community, and institutional corrections.

Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

General Education Competency

[GE Core type]

CRIJ 104Introduction to Corrections

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

Social Science

II. Course Specification

Course Type

Program Requirement

General Education Competency

[GE Core type]

Credit Hours Narrative

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

Grading Method

Letter grade

Repeatable

III. Catalog Course Description

This course introduces the history, theory practices, and research in adult, juvenile, community, and institutional corrections.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

Describe the meaning of the "corrections explosion" over the last 20 years.
Describe the historical development of punishment in Corrections.
Examine sentencing philosophy and goals.
Distinguish the difference between diversion and probation and how most offenders are punished.
Identify Intermediate Sanctions and what role they play in corrections.
Examine the purpose of jails and how they differ from prisons.
Examine the role of prisons in both a historical and modern day context.
Describe the historical development and purpose of parole.
Recognize the challenges staff encounter in prisons as well as examine the various duties performed.
Analyze inmate culture, subcultures, and argot within prisons.
Examine the major changes that have taken place regarding inmate rights and define the "hands-off" doctrine.
Identify special needs on inmates.
Recognize the reasons for prison overcrowding and its consequences.
Examine victims’ rights and the various models of restitution.
Explore and examine the controversy regarding the death penalty.

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

An Overview of Corrections Punishments: A Brief History Sentencing: To Punish or Reform Diversion and Probation Intermediate sanctions: Between Probation and Incarceration Jails: Way Stations Along the Criminal Justice Highway Prisons Today: Change Stations or Warehouses Parole: Early Release and Reentry The Staff World: Managing the Prison Population The Inmate World: Living Behind Bars The Legal World: Prisoners’ Rights Special prison Populations Prison Issues and Concerns: Overcrowding, Security, Accreditation, Privatization and Technology The Victim: Helping Those in Need Death: The Ultimate Sanction

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Required Assignments

Participation in classroom/online discussion Chapter readings and chapter review question(s)

Required Exams

Chapter Quizzes Unit Exams

Required Text

Corrections in the 21st Century, Schmalleger and Smykla, (7th Edition, McGraw Hill)

Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements

Participation in classroom/online discussion Chapter readings and chapter review question(s) Chapter Quizzes Unit Exams