CJ& 105 - Intro to Corrections

Credits: 3
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 33
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Overview of evolution of corrections and the criminal justice system with discussion of penology. Explores punishment and sentencing in the U.S. and the alternatives with a study of various correctional systems and types of individuals passing through them. Examines prisoner rights and legalities and problems involved in managing a correctional facility, and covers aspects of probation and parole as they apply to the criminal justice system. Discusses societal issues and the challenges of diversity within the correctional system.

Prerequisite: None.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Elective Requirements: Fulfills Academic Electives
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Explain penology, the origins of corrections and prisons, and their necessity in society.
Explain many of the ideologies and models associated with corrections.
Differentiate the differences between punishment, sentencing, parole and probation.
Explain the differences in detention in jail, prisons, and youth facilities.
Discuss the alternatives to incarceration.
Relate the controversies surrounding the release of prisoners into society.
Describe the issues in diversity which are continually present within the prison population.
Explain the position of women and special needs offenders in relation to the normal prison population.
Develop an understanding of prisoners’ rights and related legal issues in corrections.
Discuss the direction of corrections as we enter the 21st century.

Course Contents

Theoretical and historical context of corrections.
Examination of ideologies and models relevant to corrections.
Punishment and sentencing.
Parole and probation.
Jail vs. prison.
Human factor within the walls of incarceration.
Women, juvenile, and special needs offenders.
Special challenges for corrections.
Prisoners; rights and legal issues in corrections.
Society, corrections, and alternatives.
Corrections in the 21st century.

Instructional Units: 3