Syllabus for AOJ-111
Introduction to Corrections
Students will examine historical and contemporary correctional practices in this course. Theoretical concepts of the criminal sanction will be introduced, along with institutional rehabilitation and community-based corrections. Various correctional settings and approaches are discussed including topics such as punishment, probation, the prison community, and parole. Students will also explore the role of community resources in treating the noninstitutionalized offender (i.e., through halfway houses, alternative programs, and work and study release).
After completing this course, you will be able to:
CO1 Explain the history of corrections in the United States.
CO2 Identify and describe prison types and functions.
CO3 Analyze the challenges of probation and parole.
CO4 Compare and contrast institutional and community-based corrections.
CO5 Explore and discuss race and ethnicity in the correctional system.
CO6 Analyze corrections law and inmate litigation.
CO7 Explain sentencing systems and criminal sanctions.
You will need the following materials to complete your coursework. Some course materials may be free, open source, or available from other providers. You can access free or open-source materials by clicking the links provided below or in the module details documents. To purchase course materials, please visit the University's textbook supplier.
ISBN-13: 978-0134548678
Introduction to Corrections is a three-credit, online course consisting of six modules. Modules include an overview, topics, learning objectives, study materials, and activities. Module titles are listed below.
For your formal work in the course, you are required to participate in online discussion forums, complete written assignments, take two proctored exams, and complete a final project. See below for details.
Consult the Course Calendar for due dates.
One or more of your course activities may utilize a tool designed to promote original work and evaluate your submissions for plagiarism. More information about this tool is available in this document.
Introduction to Corrections has eight graded online discussions. There is also an ungraded but required Introductions Forum in Module 1.
Communication with the mentor and among fellow students is a critical component of online learning. Participation in online discussions involves two distinct activities: an initial response to a discussion question and at least two subsequent comments on a classmate's response. Meaningful participation is relevant to the content, adds value, and advances the discussion. Comments such as "I agree" and "ditto" are not considered value-adding participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a classmate, the reading, or your mentor, state and support your agreement or disagreement.
You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation, including your use of relevant course information and your awareness of and responses to the postings of your classmates. Remember, these are discussions. Responses and comments should be properly proofread and edited, professional, and respectful.
You are required to complete four written assignments. The written assignments are on a variety of topics associated with the course modules.
For a list of key concepts that may appear on your exams, refer to the study guides available in the Examinations section of the course website.
The first exam is a closed-book, proctored exam. It is one and a half hours long and covers material from Modules 1 and 2 of the course (Chapters 1 through 4 in the textbook). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions.
The second exam is a closed-book, proctored exam. It is one and a half hours long and covers material from Modules 3 and 4 of the course (Chapters 5 through 9 in the textbook). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions.
Both exams require that you use the University's Online Proctor Service (OPS). Please refer to the Examinations and Proctors section of the Online Student Handbook (see General Information area of the course website) for further information about scheduling and taking online exams and for all exam policies and procedures. You are strongly advised to schedule your exams within the first week of the semester. Online exams are administered through the course website. Consult the Course Calendar for the official dates of exam weeks.
You are on your honor not to cheat during the exam. Cheating means:
If there is evidence that you have cheated or plagiarized in your exam, the exam will be declared invalid, and you will fail the course.
You are required to complete one final project. The final project requires you to research the death penalty in the United States and write a position paper on your stance regarding this very controversial topic.
Be sure to reference the Final Project area of the course website for full requirements and details. Consult the Course Calendar for due dates.
Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:
All activities will receive a numerical grade of 0–100. You will receive a score of 0 for any work not submitted. Your final grade in the course will be a letter grade. Letter grade equivalents for numerical grades are as follows:
A | = | 93–100 | C+ | = | 78–79 | |
A– | = | 90–92 | C | = | 73–77 | |
B+ | = | 88–89 | C– | = | 70–72 | |
B | = | 83–87 | D | = | 60–69 | |
B– | = | 80–82 | F | = | Below 60 |
To receive credit for the course, you must earn a letter grade of C or better (for an area of study course) or D or better (for a course not in your area of study), based on the weighted average of all assigned course work (e.g., exams, assignments, discussion postings).
To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:
Consider the following study tips for success:
To ensure success in all your academic endeavors and coursework at Thomas Edison State University, familiarize yourself with all administrative and academic policies including those related to academic integrity, course late submissions, course extensions, and grading policies.
For more, see:
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