Course Description:
CRIMLJUS 4230 Community-Based Corrections
| Course Number: | CRIMLJUS 4230 |
| Course Name: | Community-Based Corrections |
| Course Description: | Community-based correctional programs; pre- and post-trial; a critical investigation of theories, practices and problems involved in pre-trial diversion, probation and parole. |
| Prerequisites: | CRIMLJUS 2230 with a "C" or better and junior standing or consent of the instructor |
| Level: | Undergraduate |
| Credits: | 3 |
| Format: | Online |
| Semesters Offered: |
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| Registration Instructions |
Additional Information
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Describe the different sentencing options available to judges, to include determinate sentencing, indeterminate sentencing, probation, and intermediate sanctions.
- Explain restorative justice and how the process works within the community.
- Define recidivism and explain the problems parolees encounter that lead them back into the system.
- Discuss drug courts and the positive and negative outcomes of these courts.
- List the various parts of the presentence investigation (PSI) and discuss the legal ramifications of the PSI.
- Explain how the interstate compact works, who is responsible for the offender.
- List the steps in the revocation process.
- Explain each of the residential intermediate sanctions: halfway houses, shock incarceration, boot camp, therapeutic communities, restitution centers.
- Explain each of the nonresidential intermediate sanctions: intensive supervision, house arrest, electronic monitoring, day reporting centers.
Unit Descriptions
Unit 1
The first Unit, consisting of Chapters 1,2, and 3 will provide an overview of Community Corrections. What makes up the term Community Corrections? What can the judge order and how is the order enforced? What rules are the Courts under when sentencing an offender? What role does the Presentence Investigation (PSI) play in sentencing?
Unit 2
The second unit of this course is an in-depth look at probation. Who started the supervision of offenders, how has this practice evolved through the centuries? How does the climate of the country affect who receives probation, and what rules must the probationer follow? What are the responsibilities of a probation officer? How does technology play into the supervision of offenders?
Unit 3
Intermediate sanctions include residential and nonresidential programs as a means of intensifying supervision control short of incarceration. Controversy surrounds the use of these sanctions. Some believe sanctions are too easy on the offender, others believe the sanctions are too difficult for a person to live with. Should these sanctions be used? Do they in fact help keep the prison population down? Do they help keep the communities safe?
Unit 4
Release from prison can occur due to mandatory release, discretionary parole, or unconditional release. Many of these released prisoners return to the system. Were they not ready for release, were the temptations of society too much for them, did the prison system fail to offer the training needed for them to survive on the outside? A successful reentry to the community has many variables? Can the correctional system address all of them? How is a parole revocation different from a probation revocation?
Number of Exams
There are 4 exams for this course.
Number of Assignments
There are 9 assignments, 8 discussion postings, and 2 papers for this course.
Number of Projects
There are no group projects for this course.
Grading Information
Grades will be based on total accumulated points. Your grade will reflect the points that you have earned. The breakdown of points is as follows:
4 tests 50 points each 200
2 papers 50 points each 100
13 Assignments 10 points each 130
Participation 40
Total Points 470
Optional Lesson 10 response Extra 5 points
Grading Scale
A 470-423
B 422-376
C 375-329
D 328-282
F 282 and below