Spring 2005

Criminal Justice 4321.001

Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

AMERICAN PRISONS & PRISONERS

Instructor: Dr. Dorothy S. McClellan Office Hours:

Center for Instruction 369 T Th 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Phone: 825-2697 And by appointment

e-mail: dorothym@falcon.tamucc.edu

Please visit my web site:

tamucc.edu/~crijweb

Course Description

Analysis of the history, philosophy, and function of correctional institutions. Examination of control and treatment of offenders in institutional settings. Focus is on current developments, controversies, and management problems.

Required Reading

Michael Welch, Corrections: A Critical Approach, 2003

Handouts

Date	Topic
January 13	Introductions and Overview Current Issues and Future Trends Reading: Chapter 16
January 18	A Critical Approach to Crime and Correcetions Reading: Chapter 1
January 20 & 25	A Social History of Punishment and Corrections Reading: Chapter 2 Film: The Big House
January 27 & February 1	America's Correctional Experience Reading: Chapter #3
February 3	Southern Penal Systems Reading: Handout
February 8 & 10	Film: Brubaker
February 15 & 17	The Social World of Prisoners Reading: Chapter 5
February 22	Working In Prison Reading: Chapter 6 Film: The Power of the Social Situation
February 24-25	Prison field trip to Huntsville, Texas
March 3	Examination
March 8, 10, 22, 24	Prison Violence and Riots Reading: Chapter 11 Films: Attica and Death in a Southwest Prison
March 14-18	Spring Break!
March 29, April 5	Women in Prison Reading: Chapter 7 Film: Women Behind Bars
April 7	Prison Visit
April 12 & 14	Minorities in Prison Reading: Chapter 9
April 19	Prison Gangs Guest Speaker
April 21 & 26	Prisoners’ Rights & Inmate Litigation Reading: Chapter 12 Guest Speaker
April 28	Special Housing & Management Units
May 3	The Politics of Imprisonment Reading: Chapter 4 Conclusions

Course Requirements

1. Examinations: Two examinations, including final.

Make-up examinations will be given under exceptional circumstances or with adoctor’s note.

2. One Event Response Form. Students will be asked to complete a comment form

on the content of films, field trips, and/or presentations made by guest speakers.

3. Attendance. Attendance is required for a passing grade in the course. Final grade will be lowered 2 points for each absence after the third.

The final course grade will be determined as follows:

Examinations (2) 33 1/3 % each

One Event Response Form 33 1/3%

Academic Honesty

Students are reminded of the university’s strict prohibition against cheating and plagiarism. Punishment for such behavior may include expulsion from the university and a grade of F. See attached guidelines to avoid plagiarism.