Introduction to Corrections Syllabus

INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONS
SYLLABUS
Section Instructor: Dr. O'Connor or assigned instructor
This is a "master" syllabus and may not be your actual syllabus
Assigned instructors may or may not use this material

Class meets: as scheduled Office Hours: as scheduled APSU Center @ Ft. Campbell Telephone: (931) 221-1477 (931) 221-1493 (Fax) Email: oconnort@apsu.edu Website: www.apsu.edu/oconnort/
*Textbook: Allen, H., Latessa, E. & Ponder, B. (2013). Corrections in America, 13e. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 0132726777. [Study companion site for textbook]*

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PREREQUISITES: This course covers trends and developments in all elements of a modern correctional system for the treatment of juvenile and adult offenders. (no prerequisites)

1. To acquire knowledge of basic concepts in corrections, penology, and the ethical issues involved
2. To recognize major sources of data on the effectiveness of correctional programs and punishment theories
3. To understand correctional ideologies from a historical perspective including probation and parole systems
4. To examine emerging treatment methodologies within local, state, federal, and private sector prison systems
5. To understand various levels of security and the inmate cultures that develop within secure facilities
6. To appreciate basic differences between male, female, and juvenile offenders within correctional contexts
7. To gain awareness of military, tribal, international, and public-private ventures in corrections

In addition to the above objectives, the more general goals of this course are to provide the student with the following tools to help develop his or her potential:
1. Development of the student's analytical thinking capabilities through comparison and contrast in the application of theories and concepts to social problems
2. Enhancement of the student's literacy skills through assigned readings, discussions, examinations, and other requirements
3. Utilization of the historical perspective which helps with student understanding of evolutionary developments over time
4. Understanding of the scientific method through research requirements and in-depth case studies
5. Improvement in social interaction skills and understanding human behavior through consideration of the impact legal and social systems have on individuals
6. Increased student awareness of cultural and multi-cultural issues through study of how social problems and social movements are related to, and affect, minority groups
7. Preparation for more advanced study in criminal justice/homeland security

Week 2: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
2. Correctional Ideologies
2a. Sentencing and Appeal (from CRJ 1010 course)

Week 3: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
3. Probation
3a. Intermediate Sanctions

Week 4: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
4. Custody and Control
4a. Management and Treatment

Week 7: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
7. Parole
7a. Death Penalty (from CRJ 3000 course)
7b. Prisoner Rights

Main Textbook/Required Textbook: Allen, H., Latessa, E. & Ponder, B. (2010). Corrections in America, 12e. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 978135034392. There are nineteen (19) chapters in this edition, to be read as follows:
Chapter 1: Early History
Chapter 2: Modern History
Chapter 3: Ideologies
Chapter 4: Sentencing and Appeal
Chapter 5: Probation
Chapter 6: Diversion
Chapter 7: Custody
Chapter 8: Management and Supervision
Chapter 9: Jails
Chapter 10: State and Metro Systems
Chapter 11: Federal System
Chapter 12: Private Systems
Chapter 13: Parole
Chapter 14: Death Penalty
Chapter 15: Prisoner Rights
Chapter 16: Male Offenders
Chapter 17: Female Offenders
Chapter 18: Juvenile Offenders
Chapter 19: Special Category Offenders

Supplemental Reference: American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5e. Washington DC: APA. Note: students do not have to buy this book, but should have access to it or something similar in order to utilize the correct style or format with writing assignments.

Students are expected to read and follow the schedule in the course syllabus, to read assigned text chapters, to read assigned Lecture Notes, and to seek and read additional suggested resources as provided by the textbook and Instructor. In addition, students are expected to be alert and attentive with note taking in class and have a demonstrated desire to participate in any discussion. Exams are to be completed within the deadlines given by the Instructor, and any special instructions for the paper assignment and/or writing assignment(s) are to be followed precisely. The Instructor will announce all deadlines and instructions as well as provide reminders about the pace or flow of the course.

25% Midterm Examination (objective test with essay questions that may count toward writing)
35% Final Examination (objective test with essay questions that may count toward writing)
25% Writing assignments (single or multiple assignments, the equivalent of 8 pages)
15% Participation and Discussion (attendance, logins, discussion contributions)

The grade scale used in this course is normally a 7-point scale, as follows, although instructors are free to make adjustments or modifications as circumstances permit. At times when circumstances permit, the scale may be dropped to a 10-point scale, or slightly more.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: An attendance roster is kept (and login records, if this is a web-based course), and students are expected to attend all sessions on time and as scheduled. If a session and/or assignment deadline is to be missed for circumstances beyond the student's control, prior permission of the instructor must be obtained, and arrangements made for submission of the work. Regular late submission of work as well as tardiness and absenteeism will result in reduction of the final grade by at least one letter, depending upon severity. An "Incomplete" can only be given if the student has normally completed at least half the coursework, has a reasonable justification, and makes arrangements with the instructor.

DISABILITY POLICY: Any student who has a disability that may affect his/her academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me to discuss this matter, or you may contact Disability Services; telephone 221-6230; voice 221-6278; voice tty.

POLICY ON MINORS: Minors (any non-student under the age of 18) accompanying staff, faculty, students, or visitors on campus are not permitted in the classroom.

ACADEMIC AND CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT: Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times. Academic and classroom misconduct will not be tolerated. Students must read the "Code of Student Conduct" in the new Student Handbook for an understanding of what will be expected of them within the academic setting. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated, and any student found cheating or plagiarizing will receive an "F" for the work in question, and possibly an "F" for the course, and may be recommended for suspension from the University. Cheating is defined as not working on exams or assignments alone, and plagiarism is defined as taking the work of someone else's as one's own. APSU uses software that will identify plagiarism.

The above schedule and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.

Last updated: Jan 18, 2012
Not an official webpage of APSU, copyright restrictions apply, see Megalinks in Criminal Justice
O'Connor, T. (2012). "Syllabus for Intro to Corrections," MegaLinks in Criminal Justice. Retrieved from http://www.drtomoconnor.com/1050/default.htm.