Sociology 388                       Instructor: Jim Thomas
Spring, 2001                        Office: 807 Zulauf
Tue-Th: 11:00 - 12:15               Phone: (815) 753-6436 (off)
DuSable 448                                      756-3839 (home)


                             Course Outline

At the start of 2001, there were over 1.3 MILLION people in U.S.
prisons, and over 600,000 in jails, or roughly 2 million people in
prisons and jails.  An additional 4 million were on probation or
parole.  This has lead to problems in prison administration,
prison living, and finding money to pay for an increasing prison
population. This course examines the corrections process,
culture, and administration. Special focus will be given to the
question: "What should we do with social offenders?" In this course,
we will ask: "Is there a better way?"

Required Texts and Readings

Clear and Cole: American Corrections
Class Handous & Net URLs
Current Events

Because the course has a strong internet component, you MUST have
a computer account that will allow you to send and receive e-mail and surf the Net.

We may be taking several field trips (Including Stateville,
Dwight, Dixon). Trips are limited, and participants will be drawn by lot.
Because of the many trips, class meetings will be adjusted accordingly.
NOTE: Because prison trips must be scheduled at the convenience of the
prisons, and because they are subject to change or cancellation, the  
tours will be announced early in the term. 

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)
   Internet component: (100 points)
  -------------------
  Total:  550 points   (grading will be done on straight 90/80/70 scale)

Because of tours and other potential scheduling conflicts, it will 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.

Final papers will be due on Thursday, 27 APRIL at the START of class.
Late papers will be penalized at 10 points a day up to 20 percent total.
Papers should be turned in earlier (No acceptions will be made for
late papers).

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

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