CRLJ 355 (Corrections                 Instructor: Jim Thomas 
Thursday - 4 to 6:50 pm               140 BSB              
Office Hours: Weds - 3 to 4 pm  & by appointment      
Office: 4110A BSB                     Email:  jthomas@math.niu.edu          
                                      Phone: (815) 756-3839 (home)

(NOTE: This class has a substantial interactive Internet component))

Focusing primarily on adult corrections, this course examines the history,
philosophy, practice, and consequences of corrections in the U.S. from a
critical perspective. We focus on all stake-holders in the corrections
enterprise, emphasizing prisoners, but addressing issues of the public,
victims, and prison administrators. This course requires class participation
and you MUST keep up on readings.
 
Required Texts and Readings
 
   --Clear and Cole:  American Corrections (most recent edition, but 7th, 
    8th, or 9th is ok)
   --Recommended: Dennis Shere: Cain's Redemption                
   --Class Handouts & Net URLs
   --Current Events

Highly Recommended/optional (for extra credit): 
   1) Dennis Shere: Cain's Redemption                
   2) Bud Allen/Diana Bosta: Games Criminals Play
 
We will be taking several field trips.  Participants will be drawn by lot.
Because of the many trips, class meetings will be adjusted accordingly.
Fieldtrips, while not mandatory, are highly encouraged).
 
Grading:
   MIDTERM EXAM - 100 points 
   FINAL EXAM - 100 points
   Pop quizzes: (50 points -- only 5 highest scores will be counted)
    Final term paper:  (150 points)
    WebBoard:  50 points
    Class participation: (50 points)
  -------------------
  Total:  500 points   (grading will be done on straight 90/80/70 scale)
 
(NOTE: EXTRA CREDIT IS AVAILABLE - DO IT EARLY AND OFTEN!

(ALSO NOTE: NO PLAGIARISM!!! PERIOD!!  READ THIS!

It may be NECESSARY TO CHANGE the course assignments listed on the 
assignments page. These changes will be announced in class and posted in 
e-mail. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for knowing what goes on in class.
Because of prison tours, reading dates will likely be shifted as we
accomodate to the tours.

TIPS AND GRADING FOR WEBOARD

Final papers will be due NLT Thursday, December 2.
at the start of class.  Late papers will be penalized at 10 points a day 
up to 30 percent total.  NO PAPERS ACCEPTED AFTER December 6.

The course will be easier (and make more sense) if you keep up on the
ASSIGNMENTS.

****** LINKS TO CLASS MATERIAL ****** Extra credit, lecture notes, and more

Return to Jim Thomas's homepage

Page maintained by: Jim Thomas - jthomas@math.niu.edu