CJ 470
Seminar in Correctional Policy
Summer 2005
Instructor: Bob Sigler (205) 348-7781 (205) 553-3897
rsigler@cj.as.ua.edu Home page: bama.ua.edu/~rsigler/home
Office Hours: after class
Text Book: Convict Criminology, Ross and Richards, Thompson Press
Course Description 3 credit hours
This course examines the historical and contemporary policy trends in institutional corrections. It focuses on institutional corrections in the broadest possible sense.
Schedule
July 12 Class contract and introduction
13 Introduction selection of presentation topics
14
15
18 Ch. 3 Studying prisons
19 Ch. 4 Prison and recidivism
20 Ch. 5 Who is the expert
21 Ch. 6 The special case of the Federal Prison
22
25 Ch. 8 Impact on the family
26 Review
27 Midterm
28 Discuss exam
29
August 1
2
3
4
5 Ch. 14 Religious freedom
8
9
10 Review
12 Final 2-4:30
Student Learning Outcomes
a. become familiar with contemporary issues relating to the management of correctional institutions;
b. become familiar with the perceptions of the various stake holders in the correctional setting;
c. develop the ability to make effective seminar presentations.
Class Format
The class will have a discussion/presentation format. Students will make presentations and lead discussion in the areas selected for each class session. Specific topics will be selected and assignments made during the second day of class.
Grading
Paper 50%
Midterm exam 20%
Final exam 20%
Presentation 10%
Grading presentations: grades will be assigned by the instructor based on his assessment of how well the presenter has prepared, how well the presenter understands her or his area, and the extent to which the presentation maintained the interest of and was a learning experience for the class.
Presentations
Students will prepare presentations expanding on the topic identified on the syllabus for the day that they choose. On the second day of class each student will state their top three choices in rank order. As much as possible students will be given their first choice. The student will select one area from that topic on which they will develop additional depth. They will present this expanded content in the first 45 minutes of the class.
Less than 15 minutes should be devoted to "mechanics" in most cases. The remaining time should be devoted to issues, ideal and practical functions, goals, potential for goal accomplishment, and impediments to goal accomplishment.
Paper
The paper will be a substantial review of some aspect of institutional corrections. An adequate review of the literature will be worth a C. In order to earn higher grades something new must be included. New means original and can be a proposal for a new or modified program, policy, or issue position with justification (a logical discussion of why you are right); a solid critique of existing programs or policies; or, an assessment of where the program/area/issue fits in the overall corrections structure with identification of overlap and/or missing need areas. The paper should be a minimum of 4000 words (about 20 pages).
Exam
The exam will be composed of 5 short answer survey questions.
Grading Policy: Grades are not assigned on a "curve." It is possible for all students to earn an A. It is also possible for no one to earn an A. I have specific expectations for your performance so you are working to achieve my expectations not competing with each other.
Attendance Policy: There are no penalties for missing class. I will take roll each class period. You should be aware, however, that there is a direct relationship between attendance and grades. Those who attend regularly consistently make higher grades then those who don’t. This is probably caused by several factors including: some of the questions on the exams come directly from the lecture and professors generally talk about what is most important to them in lecture (you should not be too surprised to discover that these things also tend to appear on the exams). You also may earn up to three additional points on your final grade (you loose one point for each day of class that you miss).
Academic Misconduct Policy: All acts of dishonesty in any work constitute academic misconduct. This includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information, misrepresentation, and abetting any of the above. The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policies will be followed in the event of academic misconduct, including the right to appeal any decision or action taken under this policy.
Missed Work Policy: Students who fall behind in their work are at risk of not completing the course or of producing inferior work. Keeping up to date is strongly encouraged. If you fall behind, I will work with you to develop a plan to bridge short term delays.
Challenged Students: To request disability accommodations, please contact Disabilities Services (348-4285). After initial arrangements are made with Disabilities Services, please contact Bob Sigler at rsigler@cj.as.ua.edu, 348-7781, or 553-3897.
Office hours: Office hours dedicated to students taking my courses this semester (you have priority over all others who might want my time) are posted on my office door. I will be pleased to talk with you any other time that I am in my office. I also can be reached by email or by phone.