1.1:  Define corrections and the role it has in the criminal justice system.

1. Role-play: In a group of 5-6, create a scenario in which a person is arrested for criminal behavior, tried in a court of law, and sentenced to prison. Enact two scenes:  one in which the police, judge, and prison officers effectively enforce their role, the law, and corrections, and one in which their actions undermine the goals of corrections. What are the differences in their actions between scenes?
2. Writing:  In 500 words, write a letter from a victim to their offender, explaining how they were harmed and what they hope the offender experiences during corrections. Then, in 500 words, write a response from an offender to the victim.
    

1.2:  Identify early historical developments and justifications in the use of punishment and corrections.

1. Practicum: In a group of 3-5, outline factors that you think contribute to the brutalization hypothesis. Consider 2-3 examples from today’s justice system and present to the class.
2. Writing: In 800-1000 words, analyze how the justice system has historically reflected the powers of the church and state, respectively.
    

1.3:  Discuss the influence of the Enlightenment and key persons on correctional reform.

1. Documentation:  In groups of 2-4, create a timeline marking Enlightenment thinkers, their location, and results of their critique of the justice system.
2. Writing: If Beccaria were alive today, what would he praise and challenge about the U.S. justice system today? Discuss in 800-1000 words.
    

1.4:  Discuss the development of punishment in early American history.

1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, create a labor map documenting how penal systems in different regions of the U.S. exploited cheap labor for economic profit. Discuss aspects of these systems that remain today.
2. Writing:  In 1000-1500 words, analyze how penal systems reflect social and economic power. Include the influence of religion, slavery, and national development in early America’s penal systems. Conclude with a reflection of power dynamics  – political, economical, social, etc. – that impact corrections in the U.S. today.
    

1.5:  Describe the changes to prison systems brought about by the Age of the Reformatory in America.

1. Role-playing:  In groups of 2-4, portray scenarios in which a prison officer issues marks that affect an inmate’s indeterminate sentence. Consider how a prison officer could implement this system effectively and ineffectively, and how an inmate could perceive both opportunities and challenges within this system.
2. Writing:  In 500-800 words, analyze how prison classification systems can affect the roles of and relationships between prison officers and inmates.
    

1.6:  Identify the various prison systems, eras, and models that developed in the early- and mid-1900s in America.

1. Role-playing:  In groups of 3-6, advocate for the prison models established between 1900s to the end of World War II. The spokesperson for each model should highlight strengths of his/her respective model and be prepared to respond to challenges posed by other group members.
2. Writing:  Imagine you are a prison warden tasked with maintaining a safe and secure prison while managing costs. What aspects from various prison models would you incorporate to support this aim? Consider a range of factors including but not limited to socioeconomics, mental health, recidivism, and probation. Discuss in 1000-1500 words.
    

1.7:  Explain how state and federal prisons differ and identify the Big Four in American corrections.

1. Practicum:  Momentum is building to reduce the prison population in the U.S. What reforms could be implemented to do this? In groups of 3-5, outline 2-3 potential reform efforts on the state level. Consider factors such as corrections budgets and public opinion and present to the class.
2. Writing:  Research one of the “Big Four” states. In 800-1000 words, describe their corrections systems beyond information provided in the book. Consider information such as how the state’s corrections budget compares with their education budget, the demographics of the incarcerated population, the number of people on probation and parole, and other information that provides deeper insight into that state’s corrections system.