Introduction to Corrections (CJ 101)

Bay Mills Community Virtual College

Instructor: Nancy Berkompas

E-mail Address: nberkompas@bmcc.edu

Course Credit: 3 Credits

Course Prerequisites:  None

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the following: history, philosophy, and policy in corrections; systems of corrections from arrest through parole or discharge; correctional organization; rights of correctional clients; minority groups in corrections with an emphasis on Native Americans; and treatment/management programs in corrections. The information will inform both general students and students pursuing a career in corrections. In addition, the course will relate its content to the Michigan Department of Corrections.

 

Course Objectives:

After having completed the course, students will have demonstrated knowledge of:

• The development of corrections from ancient to modern times
• The justice process from arrest through parole and discharge
• Federal, state, and private correctional organization
• Treatment/management systems in corrections
  
  

Required Text :

 

Seiter, R.P. (2008). Corrections: An Introduction (2nd Ed) Pearson/Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
ISBN-10: 0132249057

Course Content:

The course will cover the contents of chapters 1-15 in the textbook. Each week the student will be expected to read the chapter objectives, overview, and outline and the corresponding chapter in the textbook. Four tests will measure student understanding of course materials. The tests cover the previous week’s chapters and are not cumulative. Tests will be due on Fridays as outlined in the course schedule. It is the policy of Bay Mills Community College to incorporate writing assignments into all curricula; therefore one 5-7 page paper will also be required for this class.

The paper will cover a current issue relative to corrections. You may choose to research different types of offenders and their experience in the correctional system; budget issues in corrections; special populations and corrections; effectiveness of correctional facilities; correctional programs (past and present) or another topic pre-approved by the instructor. The paper must be double spaced and the student must reference a minimum of three reliable and valid sources of information. Internet sources may be used. Your text book may be considered one source, if it covers your topic area. At the end of each chapter outline, you will find additional readings which may provide you with information on your chosen topic. APA writing style is recommended but not required. The paper is due in week 10.

Each week students will be required to read the section of each chapter entitled “an interview with….”, which provides real-life situations faced by clients of or professionals who work in corrections.  Students will then be required to post comments on the discussion board.  Comments must be posted at least once per week, but students may also post more often in response to the instructor or other student postings.  Comments must be a minimum of two paragraphs in length and must address your personal views of the real-life situation or respond to other postings.  You may, at any time, ask questions of the instructor or other students on the discussion board as well. 

BMCC Policies:
It is very important that you click the following link and read about BMCC's policies.Student Handbook : (http://www.bmcc.edu/StudentServices1/Handbook/index.html).
Drop or Add a Class : (http://www.bmcc.edu/StudentServices1/Handbook/index.html#course).
Book Refund and Book BuyBack Policies:(http://www.bmcc.edu/StudentServices1/vbookstore.html)
Billing or an outstanding bill: (http://www.bmcc.edu/StudentServices1/Handbook/billingProcedures.html).
Information about class schedules and transcripts:(http://www.bmcc.edu/StudentServices1/Handbook/transcripts.html).

 

Grading:
The student may earn a maximum of 100 points for the course.

Test 1 = 15 points
Test 2 = 15 points
Test 3 = 15 points
Test 4 = 15 points
Paper = 20 points
Discussion Board = 20 points

Grade	Percentage
A ............................	100% - 96%
A-...........................	95% - 91%
B+..........................	90% - 86%
B............................	85% - 81%
B-...........................	80% - 76%
C+..........................	75% - 71%
C............................	70% - 66%
C-...........................	65% - 61%
D ...........................	60% - 56%
F ............................	Below 55%

Please click here to testify that you have read and understand the syllabus and have read and understand the academic dishonesty and plagiarism information.

 

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