Section outline

  • Welcome to Introduction to Corrections!


    Course Introduction

    Welcome to Introduction to Corrections! This course serves as an essential foundation in understanding the U.S. correctional system, exploring the policies, practices, and challenges that define modern correctional operations. You’ll examine the roles of jails, prisons, probation, parole, and community corrections while developing critical thinking and digital literacy skills necessary for careers in criminal justice or public service.

    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Describe the purpose, structure, and evolution of correctional institutions in the United States.
    • Compare alternative correctional strategies and their impacts on offenders and society.
    • Identify challenges related to correctional clients, including mental health and juvenile populations.
    • Analyze legal and ethical issues related to correctional practices.

    • Locate and evaluate credible digital sources. Students should be familiar with government datasets, correctional agency reports, and scholarly articles to analyze trends in incarceration and correctional practices.


    Structure of the Course

    This course is divided into 9 content modules, each focusing on a major aspect of the correctional system:

    1. Concepts of Corrections
    2. Judicial Process and Corrections
    3. Correctional Clients
    4. Alternatives to Incarceration
    5. Types of Correctional Facilities
    6. Institutionalization in Corrections
    7. Innovative Programs and Reentry
    8. Juvenile Corrections
    9. Corrections as a Career

    Each module includes a chapter reading, followed by assignments, quizzes, and/or discussions designed to help you apply what you've learned. You’ll also complete a Midterm Assessment midway through the course.

    Navigating the Course

    All modules can be accessed from the navigation menu on the left. Each module includes:

    • A chapter reading linked through Pressbooks
    • An assignment (written or applied)
    • A discussion forum or reflective prompt
    • A knowledge check or quiz (in select modules)
    Some activities are marked as required and may be auto-completed once submitted, while others will require you to manually mark them as complete. Be sure to check the Announcements section regularly and keep track of all due dates listed in the course calendar.
     
    Please move through the items below and continue through the Learner Support and Getting Started modules before moving on to Module 1. Be sure to check for announcements and due dates to stay on track.
     
    Creative Commons attribution license 
    This course and its contents are developed by the authors and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License by LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network, except where otherwise noted.

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