Instructor:   Jim Thomas                         Office:  807 Zulauff
Tuesday: 6 to 8:40 pm                            Phone:   (office) 815-753-6436
DuSable 448                                               (home)   815-756-3839
Email:  jthomas@math.niu.edu                     Office hours: Tues, 5 to 6 pm
Class homepage:  http://jthomasniu.org/class/687.html
 
                              SYLLABUS
 
This course will critically examine the philosophy and origins of the 
corrections system in the U.S., the contemporary "prison crisis," the social 
organization of the prison culture, and the prospects for the future. 
Although a "corrections" course, special attention will be given to the 
social and historical context of prisons. Examples will focus heavily on 
Illinois prisons.
 
Course Requirements:
 
The course is intended as a seminar in which everybody participates
through discussion.  Grades will be assessed on the basis of class 
discussion, oral presentations, and one final research paper.
Oral presentations will be done in groups of two or three on specific
readings. Prison tours, while not required, and strongly encouraged.
 
Assigned Readings (NOTE: Get from amazon if possible):.
 
  Michael Foucault         DISCIPLINE AND PUNISH
  Michael Welch            Punishment in America
  James Jacobs             STATEVILLE
  Jeffrey Reiman           And the Poor get Prison
  Dennis Shere             Cain's Redemption 
  Sullivan and Tifft       Restorative Justice
  Joan Petersilia          When Prisoners Come HOme
  Franz Kafka              The Trial (tentative)
  Jean Paul Sartre         The Flies (in No Exit & 3 other plays) tentative
  Library Readings         TBA
  Class Handouts           Various online readings
 
ASSIGNMENTS & GROUP PRESENTATIONS
  Here is the weekly assignment list. 


GRADING

   Three Class presentations (150 points (50 points EACH)
   Final term paper    (150 points)
   Pop quizzes          (50 points)
   Class participation (100 points)
   TOTAL = 450

ATTENDANCE

Class participation is critical. This will be graded on the degree to which
people contribute to class discussions, demonstrate reading of course 
material, and exhibit understanding of issues. Attendance is part of 
participation.  More than one absence without a compelling reason will result 
in reduced grade of 5 percent. 

It may sometimes be necessary to  change the course assignments listed
on the assignments page.  These changes will be announced, and you are
responsible for knowing what goes on in class.

We will be taking several field trips.  Participants will be drawn by lot.
Because of the many trips, class meetings will be adjusted accordingly.

 
Final papers must be turned in no later than Saturday, Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008.

Useful Links

• Illinois Dept of Corrections Hompage
• Dept of Justice--Sourcebook of CJ Statistics
• Critical Criminology Site
• FBI Uniform Crime Reports
• Law, Courts & Corrections (Dept of Justice)
• PRISON DATA & STATS from Dept of Justice
• Library of Congress and More

Return to Jim Thomas's homepage

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