Course Description: The penal system in America has gone through many changes since the founding of our country. This course will take a historical look at official sanctions by the state and their underlying philosophies. A current assessment of corrections is given with a breadth of information about political and ideological issues in current-day corrections. This course integrates policy with the study of the penal system.
Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the American penal system, including the following:
explain the historical perspectives associated with the American penal system;
describe the court process from sentencing to appellate Summary;
explain and describe alternatives to imprisonment;
describe, explain and differentiate between state and local prison systems, federal prison systems and private sector systems;
identify the various corrections functions, including custody and management and treatment functions;
identify the institutional clients, including female offenders, male offenders and juvenile offenders;
explain the rights of correctional clients, including inmate and ex-offender rights and the death penalty as the ultimate right;
describe reintegration systems, including parole and reentry and community corrections;
explain the future of penal and corrections systems.
Corrections in America, 10th edition, by Harry E Allen. Prentice Hall (Pearson), 2003. ISBN: 013102728X
Instructional Methods: This course occurs in a totally asynchronous, on-line environment and will combine reading, lectures, and quizzes.
Grading: Upon completion of each chapter of the text, the student must prepare a type-written, double-spaced summary of that chapter. Each chapter summary is worth 12.5 points for a combined course total of 100%.
A=90-100
B=80-89
C=70-79
D=60-69
F=Below 60
Once You Enroll: As soon as you enroll in CJ525, please email me with the following information:
Your name, email address (or addresses), your registration number, your professional work history, current position, education to this point and any other items you believe may help me to know you better.
Chapter Summary: Upon completion of each chapter of the text, the student must prepare a type-written, double-spaced summary of that chapter. The summary must include a thorough analysis of each of the following:
Identify the main theme of the materials in one to two paragraphs
Identify and define ten critical terms from the chapter
Provide answers to the following questions, using 1-2 paragraphs per question:
Do you agree with the materials that you read or do you disagree? Please explain and provide examples.
In what way did the reading relate to your own experiences?
Non-Discrimination Clause: Canyon College is committed to non-discrimination of handicapped person as specified in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students who qualify as handicapped under this act should notify the instructor at the beginning of the term so that reasonable accommodations can be made when warranted.
Academic Dishonesty: Any form of academic dishonesty is regarded as a very serious violation of college regulations. Any student suspected of engaging in such activity will be subject to the full set of procedures set forth by the college.
COURSE OUTLINE
WEEK 1 –
Lecture: Read Chapters 1 & 2 in the text.
Chapter Summary: Complete a Chapter Summary for Chapters 1 & 2 of the text.
WEEK 2 –
Lecture: Read Chapters 3 - 5 in the text.
Chapter Summary: Complete a Chapter Summary for Chapters 3, 4 & 5 of the text.
WEEK 3 –
Lecture: Read Chapters 6 - 8 in the text.
Chapter Summary: Complete a Chapter Summary for Chapters 6, 7 & 8 of the text.
WEEK 4 –
Lecture: Read Chapters 9 - 11 in the text.
Chapter Summary: Complete a Chapter Summary for Chapters 9, 10 & 11 of the text.
WEEK 5 –
Lecture: Read Chapters 12 - 14 in the text.
Chapter Summary: Complete a Chapter Summary for Chapters 12, 13 & 14 of the text.
WEEK 6 –
Lecture: Read Chapters 15 - 17 in the text.
Chapter Summary: Complete a Chapter Summary for Chapters 15, 16 & 17 of the text.
WEEK 7 –
Lecture: Read Chapters 18 – 20 in the text.
Chapter Summary: Complete a Chapter Summary for Chapters 18, 19 & 20 of the text.
WEEK 8 –
Lecture: Read Chapters 21 – 23 in the text.
Chapter Summary: Complete a Chapter Summary for Chapters 21, 22 & 23 of the text.
