This course analyzes the theory, practices and policies of the American correctional system, covering the nature and administration of both institutional and community sanctions and agencies. Students explore competing penal theories and review evidence on the effectiveness of correctional practices. The course investigates the historical development and evolution of imprisonment, trends in the use of confinement, and the effects of incarceration on offenders, families and communities. Students analyze the characteristics of correctional populations and debate the causes and implications of race, class and gender differences. The course identifies significant current issues and reviews the ethical, legal and practical dimensions of proposals for reform. Issues surrounding collateral consequences when released will be examined as well.

Students completing this course will be able to: 

• Articulate the historical roots and contemporary functions of the institutional and community corrections systems in the United States.
• Demonstrate an in depth knowledge about the subsystems that make up the American correctional system such as prisons, jails, probation, and parole, as well as alternative sanctions.
• Articulate potential collateral consequences brought about by processing individuals through a correctional system, as well as the potential social, political, and economic ramifications of expanding correctional resources.
• Analyze the roles and functions of corrections in the broader criminal justice system.