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Syllabus
Course Description
This course examines the correctional system in the
United States with a
focus on jail and prison incarceration. We explore major topics of
correctional history, prisons and jails, inmates, management of prisons and
jails, institutional programs, and the jail and prison experience.
Course Objectives
The course structure, readings, discussions, and
assignments are designed for students to become familiar with jail and prison
incarceration, the history of corrections, and the major themes associated
with these correctional options.
Course Materials
Required course materials include one book, several book chapters, and
internet articles. The book is Santos, M. (2004). About Prison. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. The book chapters are
on the library
electronic reserve system and are accessed using the course name
in the Iris search box. The internet articles are linked directly from the
Course Schedule. The Course Schedule (linked to the right on this page) lists
the readings for each week. Students should have readings completed for the
Monday class session of each week.
Course Requirements
Grading is based on class participation (5%),
assignments (20%), exam 1 (25%), exam 2 (25%), exam 3 (25%), and extra
credit.
Grading Scale: A = 90-100 B =
80-89 C = 70-79 D =
60-69 F = <60
Attendance
Attendance is expected. It is in your best interest
to attend each class since in-class activities contribute to your overall
grade and much of the examination material will extend from class discussions
and activities. If you must miss a class it is your responsibility to get
acquainted with the material by asking a colleague for notes.
Class Participation
Class participation is essential. You are expected to complete all readings
before coming to class. If you do not have the readings completed you will be
unable to participate in class. Class will involve small group work and group
discussions so it is in your best interest to come prepared. Every student
must make an effort to include him/herself and
others in the group discussions and to allow other students to speak. All
members of the class have something important to contribute. Class
participation is worth 5% of your final grade.
Writing Intensive Assignments
Students will complete 10 out of class
writing assignments. They are writing intensive. Students will be graded for
the quality and completeness of their work (.5 = weak, 1 = good, 2 =
excellent). Students are to bring two copies of each assignment to class.
Submit one at the start of class and keep one to use for class discussions.
All assignments are to be typed. Students will receive no credit for late,
handwritten, or incomplete assignments. If you have to miss a class when an
assignment is due, submit the assignment in class (not by email) at an
earlier class session. See the Assignments and Group Project link to the
right for specifics on assignments. In total the assignments are worth 20% of
your final grade.
Exams
Three exams will assess your comprehension of the material in a number of
ways, for instance through multiple choice questions, scenarios, matching,
and definitions. Each exam is worth 25% of your final grade.
Extra Credit
Several in class and out of class extra credit opportunities are offered. Students
can increase their grades in this class substantially by putting in extra
effort. See the Extra Credit Link to the right for specifics.
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Syllabus
Course
Schedule
Assignments
Extra
Credit Opportunities
Teaching
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Announcements
Dr. Caputo’s Homepage
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