This is a masters level class dealing with corrections. Corrections consists of a continuum of sanctions ranging from probation to institutional confinement. This class in a analysis of issues that arise in these settings, including; theory/goals of corrections, risk assessment, prison crowding/violence, and correctional intervention/treatment.

Course Objectives:
The overarching objective is for students to gain an in-depth understanding of issues within the corrections literature. Students should be able to:

• Understand the social context and justifications for corrections, including rehabilitation, incapacitation, deterrence, and retribution.
• Understand how and why offenders are assessed for need and risk, and how this information is used.
• Gain a working knowledge of the principles of effective intervention.
• Grasp the issues (privatization, inmate violence, crowding) that arise in corrections settings.
• Critically evaluate corrections programs, including probation and intermediate sanctions.

Books

Elliott Currie (1998). Crime and Punishment in America: Why the Solutions to America's Most Stubborn Social Crisis Have not Worked--And What Will (New York: Henry Holt).

Articles/Book Chapters:

Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the start of the semester. Adaptation of methods, materials or testing may be made as required to provide for equitable participation. It is your responsibility to contact the Access Center for advice regarding adaptations.

Cheating on your assignments or papers will be dealt with in accordance with University policies. Plagiarism refers to presenting another's words or ideas as if they were your own. It is cheating and thus an academic offense. Students caught cheating will be penalized up to and including an F for the class.

This is a graduate level course, with stringent reading requirements. Given the small size of this class, I expect students to attend and contribute to class discussions. As noted below 30% of your grade stems from class participation. Class attendance is necessary in order to participate, but does not ensure credit for participation (you must also be ready to discuss the material).

Graduate studies by their nature demand participation. This class will be taught in a seminar manner--you may be as likely to learn from each other as from myself. Students are therefore expected to come to class prepared, and be ready do contribute to the discussion of topics. Please turn off your cell phone prior to class and refrain from making cell phone calls during class. Given the nature of our topic, there are bound to be differences of opinion. I expect that students will nevertheless treat each other (and myself) with respect at all times.

All students are expected to take the final exam on the scheduled date. If you have a legitimate excuse, you must notify me before the exam. Anyone missing an exam without prior notification will receive a zero for that exam.

Weekly Assignments: Each student will be required to complete 6 "weekly assignments." The assignments will be answers to questions that I pose about the readings for that week. Your responses must be typed, double spaced, and should be between 3-4 pages in length. You must properly cite your sources (in text only--no reference page needed). I will provide questions for each of the 14 weeks for which we have topics, you can pick which weeks you choose to turn in an assignment. In addition to the assignment questions, I will also include a list of "things to think about," designed to prepare you for class. Students that are not turning in an assignment for a particular week are strongly encouraged to read/think about the questions for that particular week.

Paper/Presentation: Each student will be required to complete a paper, and present this paper to the class. I have set aside the last class of the semester for presentation. The paper should be a comprehensive literature review of a corrections topic of your choosing. While the issues covered in class may provide you with a set of ideas, should you wish to go outside of the course material and research a different corrections topic, you may certainly do so. In either case, my door is open if you want to discuss either your topic or you progress on the paper.

Grading Scale: (Instructor reserves right to curve final grades upward)