Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - CRIM 241 D100

Introduction to Corrections (3)

Class Number: 4064

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 26, 2022
    Tue, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 131.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the organization, structure and operation of contemporary Canadian corrections. A consideration of the history and development of provincial and federal correctional systems. The role of sentencing in the correctional process and alternatives to confinement. Discussion of the social organization of correctional institutions, including the inmates, correctional officers, correctional treatment staff and administrators. Parole board decision making and the issues surrounding the re-entry of offenders into the community. Community-based corrections programs and outcomes.

COURSE DETAILS:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: (1) Trace the historical origins of punishment and corrections in Canada; (2) Explain the legislative framework of corrections in Canada in the context of division of powers; (3) Discuss the role of sentencing and the use of alternatives to confinement in Canada; (4) Summarize the structure and operations of contemporary Canadian corrections; (5) Explain the consequences of imprisonment for offenders both while incarcerated and upon their re-entry into the community; (6) Articulate how colonialism contributes to Indigenous overrepresentation in Canadian correctional services and shapes the experiences Indigenous persons have in corrections; (7) Describe correctional assessment and programming activities and outcomes; (8) Differentiate the roles, experiences, and challenges experienced by correctional personnel working in both institutional and community settings and their dynamic relationships with each other and with justice-involved persons; (9) Identify types of conditional release and describe issues with parole board decision-making; (10) Outline the unique challenges experienced by certain groups of peoples in contact with correctional services: high-risk individuals, people who have committed sex offences, people with mental illness, women, and Indigenous peoples; and, (11) Explain evidence-based strategies to improve existing policies and practices to address emergent issues and challenges prevalent in Canadian corrections.

Students are required to log-in to Canvas (canvas.sfu.ca) on the first day of the semester and continue to log-in every 2-3 days thereafter.

NOTE: This course can be counted towards the Certificate in Correctional Studies, as well as towards a Major or Minor or Extended Minor. You must declare a certificate as soon as possible, so please see an advisor.

Grading

  • Tutorial Engagement 5%
  • Tutorial Presentation 10%
  • Weekly Content-Based Quizzes 10%
  • Written Assignment 25%
  • Midterm Examination 25%
  • Final Examination 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Griffiths, C. T. & Murdoch, D. J. (2018). Canadian Corrections (5th). Toronto, ON: Nelson Education Ltd.

Where applicable, weekly written, audio, and audio-visual course materials will be available online in Canvas.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

If you have any Criminology course enrollment requests (course adds, course swaps), please contact a Criminology advisor. Please do not contact instructors for enrollment assistance as they will ultimately refer you to a Criminology advisor.

Criminology course enrollment requests should be sent to a Criminology advisor no later than the last day of the Second week of classes. Late enrollment requests are subject to approval and are not guaranteed. 

Enrollment requests for non-Crim courses should be directed to the advisor for the program offering the course. 


ATTENTION: STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY: Please contact the Center for Accessible Learning, (MBC 1250 or Phone 778-782-3112) if you need or require assistance, not your individual instructors.  
  • N.B.: Students are reminded that attendance in the first week of classes is important. However, there are no tutorials in the first week.
  • ON CAMPUS COURSES ONLY: Assignments not submitted to the Professor/T.A. during class/office hours must be placed in the security box behind the General Office (SWH 10156), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only, with the contents date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will be accepted (e.g. Library/Campus Security).  For the Surrey Campus, assignments must be hand delivered to the General Office of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, located at SUR 5180, on Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30p.m., or placed in the assignment drop box located at the southwest corner of Galleria 5.  The Surrey assignment drop box is emptied Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with the contents date stamped accordingly.  The School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted in any other manner (e.g., slid under office doors).  The University does NOT accept assignments by fax or email.
  • A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations, chat room components of Distance Education courses and other), otherwise he/she will receive a grade of N. 
  • The University has formal policies regarding intellectual dishonesty and grade appeals which may be obtained from the General Office of the School of Criminology.
  • Under GP18, the University has policies and procedures which respond to our obligations under the BC Human Rights Code to provide a harassment and discrimination free environment for the students, staff and faculty of this institution.  Members of this community have an affirmative obligation to safeguard the human rights of others.

UNIVERSITY POLICY FORBIDS FINAL EXAMINATIONS WHILE CLASSES ARE STILL IN SESSION.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.