Las Positas College
3033 Collier Canyon Road
Livermore, CA 94551-7650
(925) 373-5800
(925) 443-0742 (Fax)
Course Outline for Administration of Justice 55
INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONAL SCIENCE
I. CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
AJ 55 – INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONAL SCIENCE – 3 units
Aspects of modern correctional process as utilized in rehabilitation of adult and juvenile offenders. Emphasis on custody, rehabilitation, and treatment programs as recognized by modern penology. Exploration of career opportunities. 3 hours.
II. NUMBER OF TIMES COURSE MAY BE TAKEN FOR CREDIT: One
III. PREREQUISITE AND/OR ADVISORY SKILLS: None
IV. EXPECTED OUTCOMES FOR STUDENTS:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
A. discuss the historical development of corrections;
B. explain the relationship of corrections to the other components in the criminal justice system;
C. describe the legal issues and specific laws involved in corrections;
D. discuss the structure and operations of a correctional institution;
E. explain the corrections proce ss from an inmate’s intake to release;
F. list the major treatment processes used in institutions, probation, and parole;
G. explain the effects of institutional life on inmates and institutional staff;
H. write appropriate reports, including police, probation and court reports.
V. CONTENT:
A. Introduction
1. Historical development of corrections
2.
3.
Purpose of corrections
Legal basis for corrections a. United States Constitution
4.
5. b. State and local legal codes
Society’s goals in corrections
Issues involved in the protection of society and the punishment of offenders
B. The legal process
1.
2.
Adult judicial procedures
Juvenile judicial procedures
C. Alternatives to incarceration
1.
2.
Probation and conditions
Public treatment facilities – county camps
3.
4.
Community service work furlough
Private treatment facilities
D. Incarceration
1. Classification system
2.
3.
4.
Custody and control
Security
Programs

Course Outline for AJ 55
INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONAL SCIENCE a. Treatment b. Educational c. Vocational
E. Effects of institutional life
1.
2.
3.
4.
The institutional personality
Prisoner attitudes and values
Informal social control
Prisoner unions
F. Special areas in corrections
1. Alcohol offender
2.
3.
Narcotic addict and dealer
Female offender
G. Treatment approaches in corrections
1. Traditional approaches
2.
3.
4.
5.
Psychological approaches
Group methods
Family therapy
Medicinal approaches
H. Post-institutional programs
1. Probation and parole
2.
3.
4.
Re-entry programs
Return or discharge process
Revocation or release from further court obligation
I.
J.
Current trends and future needs in corrections
1. New reporting techniques
2.
3.
Teleprocessing and other modes of communication
Word processing innovations
4. Education
Report writing
1.
2.
Police reports
Probation reports
3.
4.
Court reports
Logs
K. Court appearances by correctional personnel
1. Preparation
2.
3.
4.
Demeanor in court
Testimony
Preparation for direct cross-examination
VI. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
A. Lecture and discussion
B. Guest speakers
C. Audio-video aids
D. Tours of institutions
VII. TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS:
A. Brief research project on current issues in corrections
B. Submit written answers to questions at end of textbook chapters.
C. Write a probation report.
D. Prepare written questions for use in discussion with a guest speaker.
VIII. EVALUATION:
A. Methods of Evaluation
1. Attendance and participation
2. Quizzes, midterm and final a. Typical Questions:
Page 2

Course Outline for AJ 55
INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONAL SCIENCE
Page i. ii.
The system where inmates were isolated from possible contamination from other inmates to work in their cells and repent was the: a) Auburn System b) c) d) e)
Pennsylvania System
New York System
Alcatraz System none of the above
How does the building of a prison affect a nearby community? a) Increase in jobs created by the prison b) c)
Local vendors increase sales
Crime rate can rise d) e) all of the above none of the above
IX. TYPICAL TEXTS:
A. Fox, Vernon. Introduction to Corrections , Prentice Hall, 1999.
B. Allen, Harry E. Corrections in America, An Introduction, 10 th Edition, Prentice Hall,
2004.
X. OTHER MATERIALS REQUIRED OF STUDENTS: None
Creation Date: 1993
Revision Date: 10/01, 12/03
Approved by Curriculum Committee: 4/04
Effective Date: Fall 2004
3