CRIJ 104 Introduction to Corrections
This course introduces the history, theory practices, and research in adult, juvenile, community, and institutional corrections.
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
Credit Hours Narrative
3 Credits
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
48
Grading Method
Letter grade
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