COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will examine the history, development, and contemporary social organization of correctional institutions, including experiences of prisoners, victims, families, communities, and administrators. We will also survey community-based and restorative alternatives, institutional, educational, and Indigenous programs, as well as issues of parole and re-entry into the community. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1.     Describe the historical development of provincial and federal corrections systems and the evolution of punishment and corrections;

2.     Understand the role and responsibility of the federal, provincial, community and institutional corrections;

3.     Describe sentencing options and their effectiveness in the correctional process;

4.     Describe alternatives to confinement;

5.     Describe the social organization of correctional institution, including prisoners, correctional officers, correctional treatment staff and administrators;

6.     Understand classification, case management and treatment options;

7.     Describe the process and issues surrounding the re-entry of the offender into the community;

8.     Understand current trends in North American corrections, including privatization;

9.     Develop a thorough understanding of restorative justice; and

10.  Look critically at the implications and applications of correctional systems for Indigenous peoples.