10504170Introduction to Corrections
Course Information
Description
An overview of three key areas of the correctional system--sentencing, community corrections and institutions. Assess current philosophies and practices of correctional systems; evidence-based practices; purpose and goals of community corrections, such as alternatives to incarcerations and probation and parole; purpose and goals of county jails, state and federal prisons.
Total Credits
3
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Experiential-Portfolio
Course Competencies
  1. Examine the history and evolution of the American correctional system.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written exam, classroom discussion, written product, self or group report
    Criteria
    Summarize the mission and role of corrections
    Summarize sentencing goals and primary punishment philosophies.
    Define the theories of specific and general deterrence
    Compare the Pennsylvania system and Auburn system of imprisonment

  2. Examine institutional corrections.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written exam, classroom discussion, written product, self or group report
    Criteria
    Examine security and custody functions within a correctional facility
    Examine federal, state, and private sector correctional systems
    Differentiate between classification for security verses classification for treatment
    Describe the various functions and jobs of the prison staff

  3. Describe the make-up of offenders supervised by the correctional system.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written exam, classroom discussion, written product, self or group report
    Criteria
    Describe the characteristics and issues of the male offender
    Describe the characteristics and issues of the female offender
    Examine special category inmates such as elderly inmates and inmates with mental illness
    Examine the issue of racial disparity with regard to offenders under correctional supervision

  4. Examine the role of jails.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written exam, classroom discussion, written product, self or group report
    Criteria
    Examine the purpose, function, and operations of today’s jails
    Describe the characteristics of people that are held in jails
    Compare various jail designs and the benefits of each
    Discuss the challenges jails face with mentally ill and suicidal inmates

  5. Describe treatment programs available for incarcerated people.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written exam, written product, self or group report
    Criteria
    Summary includes one or more programs available for persons serving a prison sentence
    Summary includes details of the program's effectiveness
    Summarize the process in which probation or parole can be revoked

  6. Analyze community corrections.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written examination, written product, group discussion
    Criteria
    Explain how diversion is used to keep offenders from incarceration
    Critique correction placement decisions involving sexual deviant placements
    Summarize the process in which probation or parole can be revoked

  7. Distinguish between corrections for juvenile offenders and adult offenders.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written exam, written product, classroom discussion, self or group report
    Criteria
    Examine juvenile sanctions that result in probation, diversion or incarceration
    Examine how juveniles may be waived to adult court
    Examine issues regarding juvenile offenders in the adult criminal courts
    Describe issues regarding juvenile offenders held in secure facilities

  8. Analyze the Wisconsin Correctional Systems.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written exam, classroom discussion, written product, self or group report
    Criteria
    Examine Wisconsin Department of Corrections and the Wisconsin county jail system
    Identify key subjects and topics covered in Wisconsin Administrative Code DOC 350
    Examine Wisconsin’s parole and early release programs
    Describe the steps in a Wisconsin inmate disciplinary hearing, including their due process rights

  9. Analyze the pros and cons of the death penalty.
    Assessment Strategies
    Classroom discussion, written product, self or group report
    Criteria
    Examine past and current trends in capital punishment, including different forms of execution
    Describe the effects on decisions of the U.S. Court on capital punishment
    Identify who may not be executed in the United States
    Present relevant evidence as part of a group discussion for or against capital punishment