CJ 130W - Introduction to Corrections

Credits: 3
Instructional Contact Hours: 3

Provides an understanding of the agencies and institutions that have legal authority over the custody and supervision of offenders. Discusses major areas including the history and development of corrections, community based corrections, local, state and federal institutions, and institutional administration. Explores correctional treatment of female, male, and juvenile offenders. Covers the role of corrections in the total system of criminal justice.

Prerequisite(s): High School GPA of 2.3 or higher OR completion of or concurrent enrollment in any ENG course OR a Guided Self-Placement recommendation of ENG 111A, ENG 111C or higher
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Assess historical or contemporary correctional philosophies or processes
1. Trace the origins and development of corrections
2. Define the correctional process within the criminal justice system
3. Compare and contrast the various correctional ideologies
4. Describe the following principles and goals of corrections: incapacitation, deterrence, rehabilitation, retribution, and vengeance
5. Define the various levels or classifications of crimes
6. Describe the legal process of criminal cases
7. Explain the role of the legislature, judges, and juries in the sentencing process
8. List the sentencing alternatives available
9. Describe the appellate review process
10. Synthesize all of the above and explain the impact on today's corrections system
Demonstrate an understanding between probation and parole
1. Describe the purposes of probation and parole
2. Describe the types and conditions of probation and parole
3. List the types of probation and parole violations that may lead to revocation
4. Describe the problems encountered by parolees
5. Assess, analyze, and contrast the effectiveness of probation and parole
6. Explain the contemporary issues surrounding probation and parole
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of correctional legal issues
1. Define the rights of prisoners as they relate to the areas of: right to medical treatment, freedom of speech, freedom of press, right to access to courts and legal resources, personal safety, freedom of religion, and right to counsel
Demonstrate an understanding of community-based corrections
1. Describe the history of community based corrections
2. Explain the various types of community-based programs sponsored by local, state, federal, and private organizations
3. Describe the political, economical, and social problems encountered by community-based correctional institutions
4. Differentiate between community-based corrections and various other correctional institutions
Demonstrate an understanding of the various types of individuals that make up correctional institutions
1. Compare and contrast the responsibilities of various correctional personnel including: Warden, Assistant Warden, Jail Administrator, Deputy Warden, Sheriff, and Correctional Officer
2. Describe the various types of correctional offenders that are incarcerated in local, state, and federal correctional institutions
Perform writing tasks to promote learning of concepts
1. Document attainment of skills learned
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the subject
Write effectively for a specific purpose
1. Articulate important ideas
2. Select, organize, and present details to support a main idea
3. Employ conventions of written, edited, standard English (WESE) or the language of instruction
4. Use appropriate vocabulary for the audience and purpose
Demonstrate the learning of concepts through writing
1. Analyze course content in written form
2. Explain the subject matter in a coherent writing style