Punishment, Corrections & Community

Catalog description

This course examines the correctional system and its effects on individuals within the system. While punishment is associated with crime, we rarely give thought to why we use it, how it's implemented, and whether it works to reduce/prevent criminality. This course will examine the origin and development of corrections, examining its mission in deterrence of criminal behavior. Through an in-depth exploration of the correctional system, the students gains an understanding of the individual and collective function of rehabilitation, deterrence, and community-based sanctions. They will also consider whether the rational choice model of our current correctional system is best, and how we might address any shortcomings. Thisrelates to the criminology proram's focus on using criminological research to assess criminal justice practices in ways that strive to bring forth a most just social world.