Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Correctional Studies - Theory and Practice

• Unit Code

  CRI2103

• Year

  2018

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Natalie Jane GATELY

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Description

This unit provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the correctional system by examining the history of correctional facilities in Western countries. Students will gain knowledge of the influence and development of corrections from different philosophical and political perspectives. The effectiveness of public and private prisons and the contemporary issues and challenges confronting management, staff, and prisoners in Australia are also examined.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded JUS3375

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the historical, political and philosophical development of modern correctional systems in Australia and internationally.
2. Analyse the role of the prison officer and the issues facing prison officers.
3. Critically discuss the issues relevant to the various minority groups of prisoners.
4. Critically discuss the nature of, and issues affecting various correctional populations in Australia and other Western countries.
5. Describe the factors that affect the organisation, management and sustainability of corrections.
6. Evaluate the current research literature examining the efficacy and effectiveness of correctional treatment programmes designed to reduce recidivism.
7. Explain the purpose of corrections in modern Western society.
8. Explain the purpose of different types of assessments, treatment and correctional programmes used with offenders.

Unit Content

1. Classification, assessment, sentence planning and case management of prisoners.
2. Exploration of the theories that pertain to punishment.
3. Historical understanding of the crisis in prisons.
4. Historical, theoretical and political development of corrections.
5. Identify the purpose, challenges and effectiveness of correctional programmes for a variety of offenders.
6. Prison architecture, technology and security.
7. Review of the research and literature, examining the effectiveness and efficacy of corrections and correctional agencies.
8. The development, accountability, management and monitoring of private and public correctional facilities.
9. The nature of prison populations, examining gender, ethnicity, minority groups and overcrowding issues.
10. The role and function of prison officers.

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECU Blackboard as well as additional ECU learning technologies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit is conducted in both the on-campus and off-campus modes. On-campus students are required to attend a three hour seminar each week. Seminars are delivered by relevant industry personnel with direct experience in the field of corrections. The seminars are used to introduce the central theories and concepts relevant to understanding corrections and custodial offender management. The seminars also direct students to relevant literature and discusses its application to correctional practice. The interactive nature of the seminars provides students the opportunity to discuss critical aspects of the content in greater detail and in doing so, further develop their oral communication skills. Assessment methods allow students to demonstrate their content knowledge, critical thinking and their written communication skills. Off-campus students are provided with an electronic recording of the seminar each week. All information is delivered to off-campus students via Blackboard. Seminars are delivered by relevant industry personnel with direct experience in the field of corrections. The seminars are used to introduce the central theories and concepts relevant to understanding corrections and custodial offender management. The seminars also direct students to relevant literature and discuss its application to correctional practice. Opportunities to discuss critical aspects of the content in greater detail are provided using regular Blackboard discussion forums and online tutorials using Adobe Connect Pro. Assessment methods provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their content knowledge, critical thinking and their written communication skills. Regular online access is required.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

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