Course Syllabus

I.    Catalog Description and Credit Hours of Course:

        Introduces students to problems and the diversity of emphasis being placed on correctional programs.

II.    Prerequisite:  None

III.    Purpose or Objectives of the Course:

        A.    Explore the broad spectrum of systems, processes and people that constitute the field of corrections.

        B.    Examine where corrections in America originated, where it is today, where it seems to be going from here, and what issues need to be resolved to get there.

IV.    Expectations of Students:

        A.    Attendance as per 2007-08 University Bulletin

        B.    Read all assigned material and participate in lecture discussion format.

V.    Textbook

        Schmalleger, F., & Smykla, J. O. (2007). Corrections in the 21st century (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

VI.    Course Content or Outline:

Week 1  Jan 14 Corrections an Overview

Week 2   Jan 21 Punishments: A brief history

Week 3   Jan 28  Sentencing: To punish or to reform?

Week 4  Feb. 4  Diversion and Probation: How most offenders are Punished

Week 5  Feb. 11  Intermediate Sanctions; Between Probation and Incarceration

Week 6  Feb. 18  Jails: Way Stations Along the Justice Highway

Week 7 Feb. 25 Prisons Today: Change Stations or Warehouses?

Week 8  March 3  Parole: Early Release and Reintegration

Week 9  March 10  Spring Break

Week 10 March 17  The Staff World: Managing the Prison Population

Week 11 March 24  The Inmate World: Living Behind Bars

Week 12  March 31  The Legal World: Prisoners' Rights

Week 13  April 7  Special Prison Populations: The Elderly, HIV/AIDS, and Mentally Challenged

Week 14  April 14   Prison Issues and Concerns: Security, Privatization, Technology, and Accreditation

Week 15 April 21  The Victim: Helping Those in Need

Week 16 April 28  Death: The Ultimate Sanction

VII.    Basis for Student Evaluation:

            A.   Five - 1 hour examinations ( 100 pts each)

            B.   Fourteen electronic quizzes  (10 points each)

            C.   In-class participation pts (50 pts)

            VIII.    Grading Scale

            100% - 90%        A

              89% - 80%        B

              79% - 70%        C

              69% - 60%        D

              59% and below  F