Schmalleger, F., & Smykla, J. O. (2015). Corrections in the 21st century (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

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1 BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections Course Syllabus Course Description Provides a historical overview of theory and practices of convicted offenders with an emphasis on U.S. corrections, including institutional procedures, relevant technological innovations in security, and future innovation impact. Course Textbook Schmalleger, F., & Smykla, J. O. (2015). Corrections in the 21st century (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. Course Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Define terms related to corrections. 2. Assess the purpose, implementation, and effectiveness of corrections. 3. Trace the historical evolution of the correctional system. 4. Examine the organization of corrections. 5. Examine challenges faced by the correctional system. 6. Compare and contrast the various clients of a correctional facility. 7. Analyze prison life and the effects it can have on individuals and society. 8. Appraise the legal rights of inmates and the use of capital punishment. Credits Upon completion of this course, the students will earn three (3) hours of college credit. Course Structure 1. Unit Learning Outcomes: Each unit contains Learning Outcomes that specify the measurable skills and knowledge students should gain upon completion of the unit. 2. Unit Lesson: Each unit contains a Unit Lesson, which discusses unit material. 3. Reading Assignments: Each unit contains Reading Assignments from one or more chapters from the textbook. Suggested Readings are listed in the Unit IV and V study guides. The readings themselves are not provided in the course, but students are encouraged to read the resources listed if the opportunity arises as they have valuable information that expands upon the lesson material. 4. Learning Activities (Non-Graded): These non-graded Learning Activities are provided in each unit to aid students in their course of study. 5. Key Terms: Key Terms are intended to guide students in their course of study. Students should pay particular attention to Key Terms as they represent important concepts within the unit material and reading. 6. Discussion Boards: Discussion Boards are part of all CSU term courses. More information and specifications can be found in the Student Resources link listed in the Course Menu bar. 7. Unit Assessments: This course contains seven Unit Assessments, one to be completed at the end of Units I-III and V-VIII. Assessments are composed of matching questions and written response questions. 8. Unit Assignments: Students are required to submit for grading Unit Assignments in Units II, IV, V, VI, and VII. Specific information and instructions regarding these assignments are provided below. Grading rubrics are included with the Unit II, IV, V, VI, and VII Assignments. Specific information about accessing these rubrics is provided below. BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections 1

2 9. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content related questions. 10. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. CSU Online Library The CSU Online Library is available to support your courses and programs. The online library includes databases, journals, e-books, and research guides. These resources are always accessible and can be reached through the library webpage. To access the library, log into the mycsu Student Portal, and click on CSU Online Library. You can also access the CSU Online Library from the My Library button on the course menu for each course in Blackboard. The CSU Online Library offers several reference services. and telephone ( ) assistance is available Monday Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. The library s chat reference service, Ask a Librarian, is available 24/7; look for the chat box on the online library page. Librarians can help you develop your research plan or assist you in finding relevant, appropriate, and timely information. Reference requests can include customized keyword search strategies, links to articles, database help, and other services. Unit Assignments Unit II Essay For this homework assignment, you will be asked to put yourself in the role of an investigative reporter for a nationally published magazine. Crime rates in the United States are a hot topic recently, and your magazine has assigned you to be the lead reporter for a report on procedures being put into place within the field of corrections, specifically those involving diversion and probation. Your editor has designated this as the cover story and featured article within the magazine, and has asked that you be sure to include the following in your report: 1. Describe diversion and probation and what they involve; include how they are alike, and how they differ. 2. Examine and briefly describe the original concept and evolution of each within the United States. 3. Explain how diversion and probation have been used within the field of corrections. 4. Based on research you discover, analyze the pros and cons to using diversion and probation. Are there different pros and cons to using them for different types of offenders? 5. How does the use of diversion and/or probation impact the recidivism rate, if at all? Is either tactic, or both, more effective with certain types of offenders? 6. Finally, examine the work of a probation officer. Provide supporting evidence that the work of a probation officer helps reduce the crime rate. Conclude with the dangers that they face in their line of work, specifically citing one researched incident since 2013, and examine ways that could help improve the environment a probation officer is a part of. Your response must be a minimum of two pages, double spaced, and in 12 point Times New Roman font. You are required to use at least one outside source, which does not include the textbook. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations. Unit IV Research Paper There were many topics mentioned, discussed, and considered in this unit as well as previous units, regarding corrections, especially prisons. In a well-developed research paper, you are to choose one of the three options below regarding prisons, and expand upon all parts asked of you in the topic you choose. BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections 2

3 Option 1: Your textbook and lecture from Unit I already covered many of the most influential reformers in corrections. Highlighting Mary Belle Harris, George J. Beto, Sir Samuel Romilly, or Elizabeth Fry specifically, pick one to analyze, and distinguish what he or she meant to corrections reform. Be sure to include specific information to support your case about the person you choose. Your response must be at least three pages in length, double spaced. You are required to use at least three outside sources, not including the textbook. You may use the textbook as a source, but, again, it does not count towards your three outside sources. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations. Option 2: Evaluate education and training programs that exist in jails and prisons across America. Explain why you believe that these programs are beneficial to the inmates they are designed to help. Justify why you think we spend too much money trying to rehabilitate offenders or possibly not enough money. Your response must be at least three pages in length, double spaced. You are required to use at least three outside sources, not including the textbook. You may use the textbook as a source, but, again, it does not count towards your three outside sources All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations. Option 3: The book discusses several populations of inmates in jails and prisons. Choose either mentally ill populations or elderly populations currently incarcerated. Examine the issues administration and line officers have to face as they pertain to these special populations of inmates. Compose additional measures of care that may be needed when housing these inmates. Your response must be at least three pages in length, double spaced. You are required to use at least three outside sources, not including the textbook. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations. Unit V Essay Using the CSU Library, choose the Criminal Justice link. In the search box, input Video Advancements Tighten Security, then select the first option in the list that comes up, by author G. F. Guercio, entitled Video Advancements Tighten Security. Upon reading the article, take a moment to think about the safety within a correctional facility. Based on this information given, one would think that safety would be a much easier thing to manage these days, since prisoners know that they are, or can be, constantly surveilled. However, we know that danger for officers within a correctional facility can be lurking around every corner. Based on the article, imagine a correctional officer on duty in a cell block alone for any amount of time during a shift change. In addition, he or she was weary from not only working overtime this week, but being up most of the night before with a sick child. Identify at least three possible issues regarding officer safety that exist within this scenario. Apply possible solutions for these problems or observations based on what you have learned throughout this course so far. Your response must be at least two pages in length, double spaced, and 12-point Times New Roman font. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations. BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections 3

4 Unit VI Essay The role of a correctional officer takes many paths and presents many situations. Near the top of the list is safety, regardless of where the officer is working. However, add into the prison setting gangs, and the level of safety being compromised rises significantly. Using the CSU Library, choose the Criminal Justice link. In the search box, input Containing Contraband, then select the option in the list that comes up, by author Michael Grohs, entitled Containing Contraband. Given the age of technology we live in, upon reading the article, provide a detailed analysis regarding the following: How is contraband, specifically cell phones, dangerous to the safety of correctional officers? Argue which specific technology device mentioned in the article you feel best combats contraband within the prison setting. Be specific and provide at least two examples not mentioned in the lecture, textbook, or article. How does a correctional officer deal with gang activity within the correctional institution? Finally, break down ways for which security at prisons can be improved, especially for the correctional officer, and present at least three ideas that could help bring safety to a higher level, while explaining specifically how to reach them. Your response must be at least two pages in length, double spaced. You are required to use at least one outside source. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations. Unit VII Essay Privatization of Prisons Over the length of this course, you have heard about many controversial topics. Sitting right up at the top of the controversial list is privatization. Taking into consideration what you have already learned regarding privatization, in addition to what was discussed in this unit, break down the pros and cons of privatization. Summarize as to whether you are, or are not, in favor of privatized prisons. Be sure to provide specific details to support your reasoning as you describe the stance you choose. Your response must be at least two pages in length, double spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, and include at least two outside sources. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations. APA Guidelines The application of the APA writing style shall be practical, functional, and appropriate to each academic level, with the primary purpose being the documentation (citation) of sources. CSU requires that students use APA style for certain papers and projects. Students should always carefully read and follow assignment directions and review the associated grading rubric when available. Students can find CSU s Citation Guide by clicking here. This document includes examples and sample papers and provides information on how to contact the CSU Success Center. Grading Rubrics This course utilizes analytic grading rubrics as tools for your professor in assigning grades for all learning activities. Each rubric serves as a guide that communicates the expectations of the learning activity and describes the criteria for each level of achievement. In addition, a rubric is a reference tool that lists evaluation criteria and can help you organize your efforts to meet the requirements of that learning activity. It is imperative for you to familiarize yourself with these rubrics because these are the primary tools your professor uses for assessing learning activities. Rubric categories include: (1) Discussion Board, (2) Assessment (Written Response), and (3) Assignment. However, it is possible that not all of the listed rubric types will be used in a single course (e.g., some courses may not have Assessments). BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections 4

5 The Discussion Board rubric can be found within Unit I s Discussion Board submission instructions. The Assessment (Written Response) rubric can be found embedded in a link within the directions for each Unit Assessment. However, these rubrics will only be used when written-response questions appear within the Assessment. Each Assignment type (e.g., article critique, case study, research paper) will have its own rubric. The Assignment rubrics are built into Blackboard, allowing students to review them prior to beginning the Assignment and again once the Assignment has been scored. This rubric can be accessed via the Assignment link located within the unit where it is to be submitted. Students may also access the rubric through the course menu by selecting Tools and then My Grades. Again, it is vitally important for you to become familiar with these rubrics because their application to your Discussion Boards, Assessments, and Assignments is the method by which your instructor assigns all grades. Communication Forums These are non-graded discussion forums that allow you to communicate with your professor and other students. Participation in these discussion forums is encouraged, but not required. You can access these forums with the buttons in the Course Menu. Instructions for subscribing/unsubscribing to these forums are provided below. Click here for instructions on how to subscribe/unsubscribe and post to the Communication Forums. Ask the Professor This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content questions. Questions may focus on Blackboard locations of online course components, textbook or course content elaboration, additional guidance on assessment requirements, or general advice from other students. Questions that are specific in nature, such as inquiries regarding assessment/assignment grades or personal accommodation requests, are NOT to be posted on this forum. If you have questions, comments, or concerns of a nonpublic nature, please feel free to your professor. Responses to your post will be addressed or ed by the professor within 48 hours. Before posting, please ensure that you have read all relevant course documentation, including the syllabus, assessment/assignment instructions, faculty feedback, and other important information. Student Break Room This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Communication on this forum should always maintain a standard of appropriateness and respect for your fellow classmates. This forum should NOT be used to share assessment answers. Grading Discussion Boards 2%) = 16% Assessments 8%) = 56% Unit II Essay = 5% Unit IV Research Paper = 8% Unit V Essay = 5% Unit VI Essay = 5% Unit VII Essay = 5% Total = 100% Course Schedule/Checklist (PLEASE PRINT) The following pages contain a printable Course Schedule to assist you through this course. By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections 5

6 BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections Course Schedule By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. Please keep this schedule for reference as you progress through your course. Unit I An Overview of the Correctional System Chapter 1: Corrections: An Overview Chapter 2: Punishments: A Brief History Assessment by Unit II Sentencing, Diversion, and Sanctions Chapter 3: Sentencing: To Punish or to Reform? Chapter 4: Diversion and Probation: How Most Offenders are Punished Assessment by Essay by Unit III Intermediate Sanctions and Jails Chapter 5: Intermediate Sanctions: Between Probation and Incarceration Chapter 6: Jails: Way Stations Along the Justice Highway Assessment by BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections 6

7 BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections Course Schedule Unit IV Prisons Chapter 7: Prisons Today: Change Stations or Warehouses? Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Research Paper by Unit V Officers and the Incarcerated Population Chapter 9: The Staff World: Managing the Prison Population Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Assessment by Essay by Unit VI Inmates and Their Legal Rights Chapter 10: The Inmate World: Living Behind Bars Chapter 11: The Legal World: Prisoners Rights Assessment by Essay by BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections 7

8 BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections Course Schedule Unit VII Correctional Issues Chapter 13: Prison Issues and Concerns: Overcrowding, Security, Accreditation, Privatization, and Technology Assessment by Essay by Unit VIII The Death Penalty Chapter 15: Death: The Ultimate Sanction Assessment by BCJ 2002, Theory and Practices of Corrections 8