What happens in the U.S. correctional system is largely "out of sight, out of mind." Prisons are symbolically located outside of the community. Often, we base our conceptions of the correctional system on what is shown in television, movies, or the media.

This course is designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of what occurs within the the correctional system. We will confront larger questions of what society/the government should do with individuals who have broken the law (e.g., to punish or rehabilitate). Throughout this class, we will consider both insider knowledge (personal experience) and outsider knowledge (scientific research) to asses correctional practices.

After taking this course, I hope you enter your careers in criminal justice with a better understanding of how individuals enter the correctional system and what their experiences are like under supervision.