LAWF 2723 Introduction to Corrections Syllabus 820 Fall 2026

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Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
Baccalaureate/Transfer
CIP Code
43.0102
Course Meeting Time

August 17 through December 10th, 2026 Thursdays @ 6:00pm--8:30 pm

Course Description

This course is an overview and analysis of the United States correctional system: history, evolution, and philosophy of punishment and treatment; operation and administration in institutional and non-institutional settings; and issues in constitutional law.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
CRJ 911
IAI Title
Corrections, Introduction
Explanation of Course Alignment

Introduction to Corrections was designed to meet specific student needs either individually or within a program and is designed to transfer to other colleges and universities. KCC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide transfer agreement for general education courses. All colleges and universities participating in the IAI agree to accept a collective “package” of IAI general education courses; transfer of courses separately is not guaranteed. For more information about IAI and the transferability of courses to specific four-year institutions, go to itransfer.org and mycreditstransfer.org.

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Zachary Powell
Faculty Email
zpowell@kcc.edu
Faculty Phone
815/802-8850 (department phone)
Faculty Office Number
815 802 8854
Faculty Student Support Hours

By appointment only. Feel free to email me (see above) with any questions.

Faculty Information

Name: Zach Powell

Phone: 815/802-8850 (department phone)

Email: zpowell@kcc.edu

Business / Technology

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Discuss early response to crime prior to the development of prisons.
  2. Outline the history of probation and the characteristics of probationers.
  3. Identify successful approaches underlying contemporary probation practices.
  4. Explain how division is used to keep offenders out of the corrections system.
  5. Explain the goals of intermediate sanctions, restitution programs, and community corrections.
  6. Discuss the organizational structure of prisons and the jobs and functions of prison staff.
  7. Explain prison culture for staff members to include unique challenges for female and minority correctional officers.
  8. Discuss prison unit management and methods for controlling inmate behavior.
  9. Explain the threat of prison gangs and the role of intelligence in coping with them.
  10. Discuss the various treatment programs within a prison, including prison labor.
  11. Explain classification for security versus classification for treatment.
  12. Describe prison development from the reformatory era to the modern era.
  13. Explain how inmate needs are identified
  14. Explain how prison programs can lessen recidivism.
  15. Describe the characteristics of jail inmates.
  16. Discuss the organization and basic functions of state prisons and the impact budgets have on correctional policy.
  17. Describe the development and operation of the federal prison system.
  18. Describe the history of private-sector involvement in corrections.
  19. Identify the advantages and disadvantages to privates-sector prisons.
  20. Discuss the history of the death penalty and the many ways the correctional system is impacted by the death penalty as a form of punishment.
  21. Explain the history and the current status of parole in the United States.
  22. Discuss how parole is supervised, the effectiveness of parole, and how it is terminated.
  23. Compare and contrast the Pennsylvania and Auburn systems.
  24. Discuss the characteristics of male, female, and juvenile offenders and the facilities they are detained in.
  25. Discuss the housing of offenders identified as mentally ill, with infectious diseases, or aging.
  26. Discuss sentencing goals and primary punishment philosophies.
  27. Discuss how public opinion about crime affects crime control policy.
  28. Explain the role of prosecutorial plea bargaining.
  29. Discuss different types of sentences and how sentencing decisions are made.
  30. Describe alternatives to criminal courts and criminal trial process.
  31. Discuss the appeal process.
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Corrections in America 16th edition, Allen, Latessa, Ponder

Pearson Publication ISBN-13: 9780137912223

Methods of Evaluation

Evaluation:

Attendance 32 points A 100% – 90%

Discussions 50 points B 89% – 80%

Quizzes 125 points C 79% - 70%

Final Exam 50 points D 69% -- 60%

Presentation 50 points F 59% – 0%

307 points

 

Discussions will be Online-You MUST have access to Canvas!!!

 

Advanced arrangements must be made to make up quizzes / exams.

Academic Division

Business, Technology & Human Services

Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650

Course Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non-Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu.

You must adhere to the code of conduct at all times.

Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior

Attendance (on time) at all scheduled class sessions is expected. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class.

The instructor may grant permission to make up an exam when an absence is unavoidable and prior arrangements are made. All makeup work must be done outside of regular class time and must be completed within one day of the absence unless other arrangements are made prior to the end of the one-day limit. 5 points will be deducted per class day for late exams.

In the event extra credit is offered, students must submit all required coursework on time, in order for the extra credit points to be included in the calculation of the student’s final grade.

 

Course Continuity and Emergency Closure Plan

In the event of an unplanned campus closure, emergency, or other disruption to normal campus operations, the following plan will be used to support continuity of instruction and communication.

 

Communication

The primary method of communication during a campus closure will be CANVAS. Students should regularly check CANVAS for announcements, assignments, course updates, and instructions.
If CANVAS is unavailable, course information will be communicated through the following alternate method(s):
  • Alternate communication method: Email or the BAND application
  • Students are encouraged to keep their college contact information current and monitor course communications during an emergency.
**Students should print and retain a hard copy of this syllabus in case the electronic version is temporarily unavailable.

 

Missed Work and Assignments

During a campus closure, students will be directed to CANVAS for missed work, assignments, course materials, and other instructional activities whenever possible.
Students should have sufficient course materials and assignments to continue working independently for a short period if normal classroom instruction is interrupted.
If CANVAS is unavailable, students should use the alternate communication method identified above to obtain information about assignments and course expectations.

 

Course and Class Schedule Adjustments

Depending on the length and nature of the closure, the College may modify the course schedule or instructional location. Classes that cannot be conducted effectively online may be rescheduled to another campus location.
Potential alternate locations include:
  • Riverfront Campus – Kankakee
  • South Extension Center – Watseka
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Center – Kankakee
  • North Extension Center – Bradley
The College may also adjust the academic calendar, including condensing or canceling final exam week to allow classes to meet on a regular schedule.
If necessary, weekend instructional sessions may be scheduled, particularly for programs requiring specific contact hours, clinical experiences, or other required instructional time.
In the event of a prolonged College closure, the administration may work with local entities to identify alternate locations for classes and instructional activities.

 

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for:
  1. Monitoring CANVAS and the designated alternate communication method during a closure.
  2. Completing assignments and other coursework according to revised instructions and deadlines.
  3. Maintaining access to a printed copy of this syllabus.
  4. Following College and instructor instructions regarding changes to course schedules, locations, assignments, and assessments.
Course continuity plans may be modified as necessary based on the nature and duration of the emergency and College administration directives.
Course Calendar

Topical Outline

Week 1 Introduction/Syllabus Review/Class Expectations/

Corrections

Week 2 Early History (2000 b.c. to a.d. 1800)

Week 3 Prisons (1800 to the Present)

 

Week 4 Correctional Ideologies: The Pendulum Swings

Week 5 The Sentencing and Appeals Process

Week 6 Probation

 

Week 7 Diversion and Intermediate Sanctions

Week 8 Custody Functions

Week 9 Security Threat Groups and Prison Gangs

Week 10 Management and Treatment Functions

Week 11 Jails and Detention Facilities

 

Week 12 Prison Systems

Week 13 Private-Sector Systems

 

Week 14 The Death Penalty/ Parole and Reentry

.

Week 15 Presentation: *Required*

Week 16 Finals

 

Course Presentations: TBA in Class after we have an in-class discussion. (IT WILL BE FUN!!!!)

Course Calendar

Aug. 20: Introduction/Syllabus Review/Class Expectations

Aug. 27: Chapter 1

Sept. 3: Chapter 2

Sept.10: Chapter 3

Sept. 17: Chapter 4

Sept. 24: Chapter 5

Oct. 1: Chapter 6

Oct. 8: Chapter 7

Oct. 15: Chapter 8

Oct. 22: Chapters 9

Oct. 29: Chapter 10

Nov. 5: Chapters 11

Nov. 12: Chapters 12

Nov. 19: Chapters 13/14

Nov. 26: NO CLASS-THANKSGIVING BREAK

Dec. 3: Presentations *Required*/ Final Review

Dec. 10: Final

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.
Copyright & Syllabus Disclaimer

The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright. 
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.