Spring, 2013

Sociology 388                         Instructor: Jim Thomas 
Tuesday/Thursday - 2 to 3:15          DuSable 280 
Office: 812 Zulauf                    Email:  jthomas@math.niu.edu
Home phone: (815) 756-3839            Office phone: (815) 756-3839 


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 (8th edition
Class Handouts & Internet material
Current Events related to corrections

Highly Recommended/optional (for extra credit): 
   1) Dennis Shere: Cain's Redemption                
   2) Bud Allen/Diana Bosta: Games Criminals Play
 
HERE IS THE CLASS HOMEPAGE

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:
   Two tests (midterm & final):  100 points EACH
   Pop quizzes: (50 points -- only 5 highest scores will be counted)
   Final term paper:  (150 points)
   Class participation: (50 points)
   Periodic Assignments: 50 points (many given, but only top 5 count)
  -------------------
  Total:  500 points   (grading will be done on straight 90/80/70 scale)
 
*IMPORTANT*: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.

Final papers will be due NLT Thursday, May 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 May 7!

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

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