Correctional Systems and Practices Syllabus

Class

An introductory course to the ideas and practices characteristic of modern corrections.  Students will be presented with the skills necessary to succeed in the field. The course highlights professionalism and evidence-based corrections. The course is designed to make corrections come alive for students in today’s world.

Students will be able to define and understand the correctional systems and how corrections fit into the larger criminal justice field.  Students should develop an understanding of the corrections explosion of the past 20 years, including the recent leveling off of correctional populations. To understand how crime is measured in the United States and develop an understanding of the kinds of crimes that cause people to enter correctional programs and institutions.  Understand the various components of the criminal justice system, including the major components of the corrections subsystem. Understand the importance of professionalism in the corrections field and the characteristics of a true professional.  Develop an understanding of evidence-based corrections and explain the important role that it plays in corrections professionalism today.  Understand what is meant by social diversity and explain why issues of race, gender, and ethnicity are important in corrections today.

Course Learning Objectives

Provide an in-depth look at the past, present, and future of corrections.

Identify the many sub-components of modern-day corrections.

Develop an understanding of the modern day corrections and their highlights.

Develop an understanding of issues facing the correctional enterprise today.

Provide an appreciation for the contemporary real-world correctional practice.

Develop an understanding of the opportunities represented by new and developing corrections technologies.

Encourage students to examine the direction of the emerging ideal of corrections professionalism vs. traditional components.

Required Textbooks

Introduction to Corrections, 2nd Edition, Robert Hanser, Sage Publications, 978-1506306759

Evaluation Standards

90-100 A

80-89 B

70-79 C

60-69 D

0-59   F

Instructional Methods

Lectures, discussions, films, assignments, quizzes, case law research, guest lecturers

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
Student Intellectual Property Rights

The student shall retain all rights to work created in conjunction with the instructional process and/or while using college technology resources.

SCH Hours
3
Revised
Fall 2023