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JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONS
CRJ 105
INSTRUCTOR:
Albert White, MA
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Eastern Illinois University
Master of Arts in Sociology
Eastern Illinois University
CURRENTLY
EMPLOYED:
Illinois Department of Corrections
Fox Valley Adult Transition Center
Chief Administrative Officer
CLASSROOM:
Joliet Junior College
To be announced
OFFICE:
Criminal Justice Studies Office – 6:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays only – All other times by appointment
Phone – Please address all calls through the Adjunct
Faculty Office
TEXTBOOK:
American Corrections, 7th Edition
Todd R. Clear, George F. Cole and Michael Reisig
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to explore the most recent information
available on Corrections today. Through textbook readings and
other outside handouts the course will provide the student with a
logical approach to understanding of how the corrections system
operates in the United States. Many diverse areas will be discussed
such as sentencing, punishment, diversion and probation, legal
issues, parole, Capital Punishment and Juvenile Corrections. The
course will also examine the correctional field’s efforts in ensuring
the affirmation of equal dignity for every person and the promotion
of personal and social responsibility. Finally, the course will
provide the student with insight on impending issues facing adult
corrections into the next century,
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COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
To advise the student of a historical view on punishment and the
Criminal Justice System.
To provide the student with an understanding of current issues
associated with corrections today.
To inform the student of various rehabilitation programs and
alternatives to prison.
To observe the effects that incarceration has on the prisoner and
society.
Understand corrections from staff and inmate viewpoints.
Understand the legal issues shaping corrections.
Understand the differences in juvenile corrections.
Examine the victim’s role in corrections.
Explore career opportunities in corrections.
To enable students to develop an understanding of what the future
holds for corrections.
GRADE SCALE:
The following grade scale will be used during the semester:
A = 94 – 100% of the total points possible
B = 84 – 93% of the total points possible
C = 76 – 83% of the total points possible
D = 68 – 75% of the total points possible
F = 0 – 67% of the total points possible
GRADE DETERMINATION:
Test 1:
20%
Test 2:
20%
Test 3:
20%
Test 4:
20%
Quizzes:
15%
Class attendance/participation and other special projects/exercises to be
identified during the course will count as 5%.
MAKE UP EXAM(s): Will be given at the discretion of the instructor on a case by
case basis. Arrangements with the instructor for a “makeup” of a missed
scheduled exam must be accomplished within 24 hours of that scheduled exam.
Students should understand that “makeup” exams would be given at the
convenience of the instructor’s schedule.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance is an important factor if the student wishes to receive an acceptable
grade and gain knowledge from the course. A great deal of the material (outside
the textbook) will be presented into the classroom setting to be shared, analyzed
and discussed. The student will understand that knowledge is the result of a
lifelong pursuit of learning fostered through creative and critical interaction with
others in this class. Regular attendance will assist the student in staying current
on the subject matter. The student with a history of being a “casual” class
attendee will find the will have problems being successful in this course.
SUPPLEMENTARY READING: Handouts as assigned.
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FIELD TRIPS & GUEST SPEAKERS: The content of this course is further
supported with field trip activity and guest speakers. There are occasions when
field trips and guest speaker activities may not take place during the house of
scheduled class time due to scheduling problems. If such activities are
announced to take place outside of normally scheduled class time, students’
attendance will not be mandatory. However, all students are encouraged to take
advantage of the enhancement value of these opportunities for which there is
usually the chance to obtain bonus points in the course.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Late submission of “out-of-class” assignments may be
considered for credit, but will be assessed substantial penalties as circumstances
warrant. Therefore, please make every effort to ensure that work is ready to be
turned in on time! “Pop Quizzes” will not be considered for makeup. Although
these requirements may seem restrictive to some, they are necessary to provide a
level of equity and fairness for the majority of individuals who will accept their
responsibilities as student in this class.
CRITIQUE AND/OR DISCUSSION OF GRADED WORK: Critique and/or discussion
of graded work generally will not take place during regularly scheduled class time
unless the instructor feels all can benefit from such critique or discussion. You
are encouraged to discuss with the instructor any concerns you have and will find
that an office appointment is usually the best means to resolve your concerns and
questions.
DROP/WITHDRAWAL POLICY: The instructor follows the policy outlined in the
College Catalog which states (in part) “an instructor may withdraw a student from
class because of poor attendance, poor academic performance,, inappropriate
academic behavior such as, but not limited to, cheating or plagiarism, disregard
for safety rules, or for improper conduct.”
However, those students who feel they are experiencing poor academic
performance should take the initiative and withdraw themselves from the class
and not “assume” the instructor will drop them.
Refer to your class schedule for the last day to drop this class!
THE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT: Your instructor has the responsibility to
ensure that the classroom environment is conducive to the learning experience
for all students. The advancement of various viewpoints and positions on issues
is part of the learning processes and all students are encouraged to engage in this
exchange. However, students are reminded that the communications process is
also one of also being a good listener as well as speaker. Additionally, the
classroom will not become a forum for the sole accommodation of those with
personal agendas. Your instructor reserves the right to set forth certain
standards and requirements as they may relate to expected student conduct,
behavior and demeanor in the classroom. These expectations will be reviewed
during the first day of class. Students with concerns in this area are invited to
discuss them with the instructor.
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CLASS 1 – Introduction
I.
BECOMING ACQUAINTED
A.
B.
C.
II.
Background of the Instructor
Background of the Students
Office Hours
Expectations of the Course
A.
B.
As it relates to Major
For Personal Reasons
III.
Overview of the Entire Course (Week by Week Plan)
IV.
In Class Review of Chapter 1 – The Corrections System
A.
B.
C.
D.
V.
The Purpose of Corrections
A Systems Framework for Studying Corrections
The Corrections System Today
Key Issues in Corrections
In Class Review of Chapter 2 – The Early History of
Correctional Thought & Practice
A.
B.
C.
D.
From the Middle Ages to the American Revolution
On Eve of Reform
The Age of Reform and Correctional Reform
What Really Motivated Correctional Reform
NEXT CLASS ASSIGNMENT:
TEXTBOOK READING – CHAPTERS 3 & 4
Submit an article or internet material related
to any correctional issue.
CLASS 2 –
I.
The History of Corrections in America
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
The Colonial Period
The Arrival of the Penitentiary
Development of Prisons in the South and West
The Reformatory Movement
The Rise of the Progressives
The Rise of the Medical Model
From Medical Model to Community Model
The Crime Control Model: The Pendulum Swings Again
Where Are We Today
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II.
The Punishment of Offenders
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Purpose of Corrections
Forms of the Criminal Sanction
The Sentencing Process
Unjust Punishment
NEXT CLASS ASSIGNMENT:
TEXTBOOK READING – CHAPTER 5
Submit two articles on any related
Correctional issue.
CLASS 3 –
I.
The Law of Corrections
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
II.
The Foundation of Correction Law
Correctional Law and the Supreme Court
Constitutional Rights of Pioneers
Alternatives to Litigation
Law and Community Corrections
Law and Correctional Personnel
Review Chapters 1 through 5
CLASS 4 –
I.
Test 1 – CHAPTERS 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 - *1 hour time limit
II.
In Class Review of Chapter 6 – The Correctional Client
A.
B.
C.
III.
Selections for the Correction System
Types of Offenders and Their Problems
Classifying Offenders’ Key Issues
In Class Review of Chapter 7 – Jails: Detention
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
The Contemporary Jail Entrance to the System and ShortTerm Incarceration
Origins and Evolution
Pretrial Detention
The Bail Problem and Alternatives
The Sentenced Jail Inmates
Issues in Jail Management
The Future of Jail
NEXT CLASS ASSIGNMENT:
Text Book Readings: Chapters 8 and 9
Submit an article or internet material related
to probation.
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CLASS 5 –
I.
Test Review
II.
Probation
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
III.
The History and Development of Probation
The Organization of Probation Today
The Dual Functions of Probation: Investigation and
Supervision
The Investigative Function
The Supervision Function
The effectiveness of Supervision
Revocation and Termination of Probation
Probation in the Coming Decade
Intermediate Sanctions and Community Corrections
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
The Case for Intermediate Sanctions
Continuum of Sanctions
Varieties of Intermediate Sanctions
Making Intermediate Sanctions Work
The New Correctional Profession
Community Corrections Legislation
The Future of Intermediate Sanctions and Community
Corrections
NEXT CLASS ASSIGNMENT:
Textbook Readings of Chapters 10 and 11
Submit an article or internet material related
to any correctional issue
CLASS 6 –
I.
Incarceration
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
II.
The Prison Experience
A.
B.
C.
III.
Links to the Past
The Goals of Incarceration
Organization for Incarceration
The Design and Classifications of Prisons
Who is in Prison
Prison Society
The Prison Economy
Violence in Prison
Review Chapters 6 - 11
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CLASS 7 –
I.
Test – Chapters 6 through 11
II.
In Class Review – Chapter 12 – Incarceration of Women
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Women: Forgotten Offenders
Historical Perspective
Women in Prison
Issues in the Incarceration of Women
Release to the Community
NEXT CLASS ASSIGNMENT:
Textbook Readings – Chapter 13
Submit an article or internet material related
to any correctional issue
CLASS 8 –
I.
Test Review
II.
Institutional Management
A.
B.
C.
Formational Organization
Governing Prisons
Correctional Officers: The Linchpin of Management
NEXT CLASS ASSIGNMENT:
Textbook Readings – Chapters 14 and 15
Submit an article or internet material related
to parole
CLASS 9 –
I.
Institutional Programs
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
II.
Managing Times
Classification
Rehabilitative Programs
Prison Medical Services
Prison Industry
Prison Maintenance Programs
Prison Recreational Programs
Prison Programming Reconsidered
Release from Incarceration
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Release from one Part of the System for Another
Origins of Parole
Release Mechanisms
The Organization of Releasing Authorities
The Decision to Release
Release to the Community
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NEXT CLASS ASSIGNMENT:
Textbook Readings – Chapter 16
Submit an article or internet material related
to any correctional issue
CLASS 10 –
I.
Making it Supervision in the Community
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
II.
Overview of the Post Release Function
The Structure of Community Supervision
Residential Programs
The Offenders Experience of Post Release Life
The Parolee as Dangerous
The Elements of Successful Reentry
Post Release Supervision
Review Chapters 12 through 16
CLASS 11 –
I.
Test – Chapters 12 through 16
NEXT CLASS ASSIGNMENT:
Textbook Readings – Chapter 17 and 18
Submit an article or internet material related
to juvenile delinquency
CLASS 12 –
I.
Test Review
II.
Corrections for Juveniles
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
III.
The Problem of Youth Crime
History of Juvenile Corrections
Why Treat Juveniles and Adults Differently
The Problem of Serious Delinquency
Sanctioning Juvenile Offenders
The Special Problem of Gangs
The Future of Juvenile Justice
Incarceration Trends
A.
B.
C.
D.
Explaining Prison Population Trends
Dealing with Overcrowded Prisons
The Impact of Prison Crowding
Does Incarceration Pay?
NEXT CLASS ASSIGNMENT:
Textbook Readings – Chapter 19 and 20
Submit an article or internet material related
to the death penalty
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CLASS 13 –
I.
Race Ethnicity and Corrections
A.
B.
C.
D.
II.
The Concepts of Race and Ethnicity
Visions of Race and Punishment
Which is it: Race or Racism
The Significance of Race and Punishment
The Death Penalty
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
The Debate Over Capital Punishment
The Death Penalty in America
The Death Penalty and the Constitution
Who is on Death Row
A Continuing Debate
NEXT CLASS ASSIGNMENT:
Textbook Readings – Chapter 21 and 22
Submit an article or internet material related
to any correctional related issue
CLASS 14 –
I.
Surveillance and Control in the Community
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
II.
Community Justice
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
III.
The Goal of Surveillance
The Techniques of Surveillance and Control
Control a Double-Edged Sword
The Limits of Control
Toward Acceptable Community Control
Definition of Community Justice
How Community Justice Differs from Criminal Justice
Arguments for Community Justice
Problems of Community Justice
The Future of Community Justice
REVIEW – Chapters 17 THROUGH 22
CLASS 15 –
I.
FINAL EXAM – Chapters 17 through 22
II.
Class Evaluations
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ADDITIONAL READINGS
Barnes, Harry Elmer, and Teeters, Negley K. New Horizons in Criminology, 3d ed.,
Englewood Cliffs, NJ; Prentice Hall, 1959.
Beccaria, Cesare, On Crimes and Punishments. 1764. Reprint,
Indianapolis:Hacket Publishing. 1986
Howard, John. The State of Prisons. New York: Everyman’s Library. 1929.
Ives, George. A History of Penal Methods. Lond: Stanley Paul, 1914
Morris, Norval, and Rothman, David J. The Oxford History of the Prison. New
York: Oxford University Press, 1995.
Newman, Graeme. Just and Painful: A Case for Corporal Punishment of
Criminals. New York: Macmillan, 1983.
Newman, Graeme. The Punishment Response. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1978.
Phillipson, Coleman. Three Criminal Law Reformers: Beccaria, Bentham, Romilly.
London: Paterson Smith, 1970.
Schmalleger, Frank and Smykla, John Ortiz. Corrections in the 21st Century, 2nd
Edition
Scott, George Ryley. The History of Corporal Punishment: A Survey of
Flagellation in Its Historical, Anthropological, and Sociological Aspects. Detroit:
Gale Research, 1974.
Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr. The Gulag Archipelago, 1918-1956: An Experiment in
Literary Investigation. 3 vols. Translated by Thomas P. Whitney. Vol. 3 translated
by H. Willetts. New York: Harper & Row, 1974-1978.
Von Hentig, Hans. Punishment: Its Origin, Purpose, and Psychology. London
Patterson Smith, 1937
Wines, Frederick Howard. Punishment and Reformation. New York: AMS Press,
1919