Criminal Justice 238
CORRECTIONS

1. Catalog Entry

CRJU 238. Corrections
Three hours lecture(3).

Prerequisite: CRJU 100

A comprehensive overview of the field of corrections, with special emphasis on community-based corrections as alternatives to institutionalization.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

The purpose of the course is to acquaint students with the diversity of issues, services, and programs used to serve offenders in the field of corrections. Major areas addressed in the course are:

I. History and Evaluation of Corrections

1. Early History
2. Century of Change
3. Age of Prisons
4. Modern Era
5. Correctional Ideologies

II. Correctional Law

1. Misdemeanants and Felons
2. Correctional Funnel
3. Sentencing
4. Appellate Review

III. Rights of the Convicted Criminal

1. Confinement
2. Use of Force
3. Death Penalty

IV. The Correctional Client

1. Adult Offender
2. Juvenile offender
3. Special Categories of Offenders

V. Correctional Administration

1. Punishment (custody)
2. Treatment
3. Prevention

VI. Correctional System

1. Jails and Detention Facilities
2. State Prison System
3. Federal Prison System
4. Community-based Corrections

VII. Community Correctional Services & Programs

1. Pretrial Release Programs
2. Probation and Parole
3. Restitution and Community Service Programs
4. Temporary Release, Work Release and Furloughs
5. Halfway Houses and Release Centers
6. Substances Abuse Programs

VIII. Summary

1. Corrections in the 1990's
2. Questions and Issues to be Resolved

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course will include lectures, class discussions, group problem-solving models, guest speakers, and film as learning methods in presenting the course content.

Each student may be required to complete a research paper on a specific issue relating to criminal punishment. This paper will provide students an opportunity to explore the pros and cons of capital punishment and its place in the American Criminal Justice System.

Students will be given several examinations during the semester. Each examination will focus on the textbooks, selected articles, lecture materials, guest speakers and film.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

1. To become aware of the total spectrum of management, custody and treatment of juvenile and adult offenders both in institutions and in community-based programs.
2. To understand the modern American correctional system and services through the development of ideas and attitudes embodied in our present correctional philosophy, standards and procedures.
3. To assess changes in trends the public expects from correctional officials and personnel.
4. To evaluate the penal treatment and selected alternatives for rehabilitation of juvenile and adult offenders.
5. To examine one's social, economic and welfare values as they are revealed in problem-solving exercises.
6. To analyze and discuss specific concepts, processes and treatment programs that are applicable to problems of juvenile and adult offenders.

5. Assessment Measures

Assessment of the student's completion of the course is based on grades for four examinations and the research paper.

6. Other Course Information

The instructor may utilize "field trips" in order to help the student gain practical insights into organizational problems/solutions. Corrections officials may be utilized as guests.

7. Review and Approval

Date Action Approved By
September 2001, Reviewed by Dr. Isaac Van Patten, Department Chair