CJS 113 - Penology

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Explore in-depth the corrections system, focusing on the development of correctional philosophy, theory and practice. Examine the constitutional rights of offenders and the relationship between corrections and the criminal justice system. Study topics such as the theoretical foundations of correctional practices, the role of institutions in the corrections system, and the evolution of federal, state, and community-based correctional systems. Analyze sentencing, jails, prisons, correctional policies, and the challenges faced by correctional populations. Explore principles and practices of treatment within various correctional settings.

Location(s) Typically Offered: Arnold Main Campus (MC), Glen Burnie (GB), and Online (OL)

Term(s) Typically Offered: Fall and spring

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Discuss the correctional component of the criminal justice system, including the origins, evolution, purposes, goals, and objectives of the corrections system.
Explain the philosophical, theoretical, and evidence-based approaches of punishment.
Identify the major challenges and reforms in corrections.
Compare and contrast the different functions and operations within the correctional system, such as jails, prisons, probation, parole, and intermediate sanctions.
Examine the development and types of prisoners’ constitutional and legal rights.
Identify ethical issues and responses in the corrections system including the rise in mentally disordered offenders, mass incarceration, private prisons, soaring costs, wrongful convictions, and prisoner reentry.