Course Syllabus
Course: CJ 1300
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Behavioral Science
Title: Introduction to Corrections
Semester Approved: Spring 2024
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2028
End Semester: Fall 2029
Catalog Description: Introduction to Corrections will provide the student with a comprehensive examination of the main aspects of Corrections in America. The course of study will include a historical perspective, a demographic examination, and a study of correctional practices within the major correctional institutions of the American communities. This course is offered as in-class, online and concurrent enrollment.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Justification: This course is part of the Criminal Justice curriculum and similar courses exist at USHE institutions. CJ 1300 is designed to fulfill a part of the lower division course for a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Evaluate contemporary and/or historical problems using appropriate Criminal Justice Corrections discipline specific research methodology. This will be accomplished through the research project submitted by the student and evaluated by the instructor; and by the student’s participation in a final project and chapter assignments.
Describe and analytically compare Criminal Justice Corrections discipline's different social, political, economic, cultural, geographical, or historical settings and processes. Students will complete critical thinking exercises in the chapters or take the appropriate quiz or exam and submit them for evaluation by the instructor. The student will also complete a research project.
Develop and communicate hypothetical explanations for individual human behavior within the large-scale historical or social context of Criminal Justice Corrections. This will be demonstrated in the preparation and delivery of a community program, the final project.
Write and/or demonstrate effectively within the (appropriate) social science discipline, using correct disciplinary guidelines, to analyze, interpret, and communicate about social science phenomena. This will be demonstrated in mini written assignments and projects.
Content:
Throughout this course the student will: Examine the historical and evolution perspectives of corrections; Understand correctional philosophies as a dynamic concept; Learn the broad framework within which corrections can be analyzed; Become familiar with the law as it applies to corrections; Be able to differentiate between the separate authorities and types of correctional institutions in operation in America; Understand the philosophical goals of corrections as applied to different correctional clients; Examine the growth and related problems of the American Correctional system; Assess options to incarceration as correctional measures; Gain perspective on potential careers in corrections; Become exposed to operational routines in correctional facilities. The practice of corrections in America has become increasingly problematic due to the diversity that exists in correctional facilities. Intro to Corrections seeks to understand and explain these challenging issues that occur within the prison system.
Key Performance Indicators:
Chapter Assignments 10 to 15%
Mini Writing Projects 10 to 25%
Final Project 10 to 55%
Research Paper Project 10 to 45%
Quizzes and Exams 10 to 20%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Corrections, an Introduction. Seiter, Richard P. Pearson/Prentice Hall, current edition
Pedagogy Statement:
This course will be taught by lecture, group work, discussion, written assignments and projects which require practical application. Practical application is vital in understanding corrections and making it inclusive to all regardless of learning styles and capabilities.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Online
Maximum Class Size: 130
Optimum Class Size: 40
