Institutional and Community Corrections

Catalog description

This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the structure and operations of correctional systems, the evolutionary and political development of institutional corrections, and the goals of community corrections in society's attempt to control crime to an in-depth look at two of the most pressing problems in U.S. corrections today: overcrowding and financial problems. Additionally, students will examine the processes involved in parole and probation decisions for adult and juvenile offenders. Students will study the fundamental concepts, theory, and nature of community corrections with emphasis on the organizations, policies and practices of federal, state and county systems. Theoretical perspectives from both sociology and criminology will be compared and contrasted. Guest speakers from a variety of institutions may be scheduled as part of this course.