COURSE SYLLABUS - COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS (CRJ301)

Dr. Eric Metchik
Office: MH333- Phone: (978)-542-6460
E-mail address: emetchik@salemstate.edu


Purpose of the Course | Text | Course Requirements | Course Schedule


Purpose of the course:
This course introduces the student to the movement within corrections to establish successful rehabilitation programs in the community; i.e., outside of traditional prison settings. We will analyze a variety of programs for offenders at different stages of processing within the criminal justice system. There will also be a focus on several identifiable groups of special needs offenders for whom community programs may be especially suitable.

Text:
McCarthy, B.R., McCarthy, Jr., B.J. and Leone, M.C.(2001).
Community-Based Corrections.(California: Wadsworth Group, 4th edition).
Additional readings on reserve in the Library.

Course Requirements:
1.Class attendance: All students must come to class regularly and be on time. Each lecture in the course builds on all previous lectures and so the student will be at a loss if even one class is missed. In addition, the lectures are sometimes only loosely related to the assigned reading for a particular class, and all lecture materials may be tested on the examinations. If a student misses more than three classes during the semester without a valid medical or other acceptable excuse, this will affect the "participation" component of the final course grade.

2.Class participation and related assignments: This course raises many controversial issues that naturally provoke discussion. You are encouraged to give your opinions and ask questions at any point---do not feel you have to wait until the end of the class. Please be sure to do all the assigned readings before each class since this is the only way to stay "on top" of the material. Your active participation in class will be evaluated as part of the final course grade.

3. Tests: There will be two examinations given in this course. All students are expected to take these exams when scheduled. Unless extreme circumstances (supported by a letter or other appropriate documentation) force a student to fail to appear for an exam, all those who miss it will receive a "0" grade for that component of the course. Even under extreme circumstances, the student must take an alternate form of the original test within 48 hours of the original test date.

4. Final project: All students are required to complete specific exercises and/or a field trip related to the course content. Separate handouts will be distributed that describe the final project in greater detail.

5. Final grade breakdown:
  Exam #1   30%    
  Exam #2     30%    
  Final project     30%    
  Class Participation   10%    
        100%    
             
Academic Dishonesty: Any form of academic dishonesty is regarded as a very serious violation of college regulations. Any student suspected of engaging in such activity will be subject to the full set of procedures outlined on pp. 284-285 of the 2000-2002 College Catalog.
             
Handicapped Students: Students who are handicapped should notify the professor at the beginning of the semester if any modifications in the course requirements are necessary.
             
             
COURSE SCHEDULE
             
Topic    Assignment (pages)
Introduction   1-36*
Diversion Programs   39-78; 366-372
Pre-trial Release   39-78
Exam #1  
Probation   79-119**; 161-209; 310-328
Restitution & Community Service   225-239; 379-381
Temporary Release from Confinement 148-157
Halfway Houses   240-270
Exam #2  
Parole   120-148
Female Offenders   329-353
Juveniles   354-402***
Drug and Alcohol Abusers   273-309; 46-54; 67-70
The Future of Community Corrections



Note: All asterisks refer to reserve reading assignments required for this course. Please see the listing on the next page. These readings are available for two-hour periods at the circulation desk in the library. Please mention my name and the course number when you request them.


* Also - Reserve reading assignment - (available at circulation desk in Library):
1) "Revenging Angels" by Eileen McNamara.
2) "Hitting Bottom Can Be the Beginning" by Hank Wittemore.
3) "The 'Effectiveness' Issue Today: An Overview" by Ted Palmer.

 

** Also - reserve reading assignment - "Is There a 'Second Generation' of Shock Incarceration Facilities?: The Evolving Nature of Goals, Program Elements, and Drug Treatment Services in Boot Camp Programs" by Gransky, L.A., T. Castellano, and E. Cowles;

AND "Achieving Public Safety Through Rehabilitation and Reintegration: The Promise of a New ISP" by Fulton, B. and S. Stone.

Both articles are from Intermediate Sanctions: Sentencing in the 1990's (1995), J. Ortiz and W. Selke (Eds.), Cincinnati, Ohio: Anderson Publishing Company.

 

*** Also - reserve reading assignment - "Privatization in Juvenile Services: Competition Promotes Quality" by Edward J. Loughran.