Catalog Description

Advisory: Completion of ADMJ 62 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Survey course emphasizing behavior and characteristics of male and female offenders and the role of the correctional employee. Institutional environment, inmate subcultures, values, victimology, and gangs also discussed and analyzed. Population management issues, statistics, inmate rights, discipline and contemporary custody and treatment techniques identified and studied. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Identify the social, cultural, and psychological basis for criminal behavior.
  • CSLO #2: Compare and contrast street and prison gang culture to mainstream society.
  • CSLO #3: Assess and critique contemporary sentencing, custody and treatment practice.

Effective Term

Fall 2017

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Identify the social, cultural, and psychological basis for criminal and deviant behavior;
2. Discuss and determine the appropriate roles of staff and inmates;
3. Describe inmate subculture values;
4. Compare and contrast street and prison gang characteristics and culture to those of society;
5. Assess and critique contemporary custody and treatment techniques; and
6. Evaluate techniques used to manage prison population growth and assess effectiveness.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Essay Examinations
            • Example: Students will write an essay in which they compare and contrast traditional and contemporary methods of rehabilitation.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will conduct research and a written report, analyzing the major sociological, psychological, and cultural issues impacting and resulting in gang membership.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. Using PPT presentation to guide class discussion, Instructor will present information related to the social, cultural and psychological factors of deviant/criminal behavior.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will use LMS to host a Discussion Board related to connections between street and prison gangs.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1: Read chapter from textbook. Be prepared to discuss and evaluate topics covered. 2. Read the professor-issued current event articles regarding gangs, prison violence and other correctional issues.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1: Differentiate the major contemporary correctional issues and determine the strengths and deficiencies of each. 2: Develop a poster displaying the characteristics of a specific street or prison gang.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Using teacher-selected topic, students will work in research groups to produce a 30 minute oral presentation with visual aids and 10-15 page research paper in modified APA format.

          Required Materials

          • Corrections in America, An Introduction
            • Author: Allen, Harry; Latessa, Edward; Ponder, Bruce; and Simonsen, Clifford
            • Publisher: Prentice Hall
            • Publication Date: 2007
            • Text Edition: 11th
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Corrections Today
            • Author: Siegel / Bartollas
            • Publisher: Cengage
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 2nd
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

          California Department of Corrections Statistical Reports, and California Department of Justice Statistical Reports.