HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Holyoke, MA 01040
SYLLABUS
CRJ 211: Probation and Parole Practices
NOTE: Classroom events, activities, and assignments subject to change as deemed necessary by the instructor.
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Professor Mónica H. Pérez, J.D.
E-mail: Use WebCT e-mail set up on course site
Office: FR 166
Office Hours: E-mail with questions/issues
Phone: 413-552-2413
Meeting Day(s)/Times(s): This is an online course. All information, assignments, interaction, and communication is facilitated online through WebCT.
Be advised that this format requires that students work exclusively in an independent manner. Therefore, self-discipline
and self-pacing of work are critical factors in successfully completing this class.
Course Description: Covers the roles of probation and parole officers, including pre-sentence investigation; conditions of probation and parole; parole boards; the administrative relationship of probation to community and criminal
justice system agencies; and effectiveness, supervision, rehabilitation, recidivism, and aftercare.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 110 or PSY 110
Students completing this course will:
ü Learn the important historical developments that led to the creation of probation, parole, and community corrections agencies and their place in the criminal justice system.
ü Review and develop knowledge of the services provided by probation, parole, and community corrections agencies.
ü Develop and utilize quantitative and analytical reasoning skills, research skills, and competency in the use of technology for purposes of research, professional development, and problem-solving.
ü Apply the major theories in the behavioral sciences, psychology, and sociology to probation and parole practices.
ü Engage in a simulation of standard operating procedures as they pertain to probation and parole practices, specifically intake, assessment of offenders, pre-sentence investigations, and release/supervision of parolees.
ü Develop familiarity with the major services of probation, parole, and community corrections agencies including but not limited to alternative sanctions, intermediate sanctions, intensive supervision, and specialized units such as those that supervise drug dependent offenders, mentally ill offenders, and those who present special problems for community safety.
ü Understand the relationship between public opinion and public policy as it pertains to this area of criminal justice practice.
TEXTBOOK(S) and SUPPLEMENT(S)
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Community-Based Corrections, Leanne Alarid, Paul Cromwell, and Rolando V. Del Carmen
Thomson/Wadsworth: Belmont, CA (2008)
The specified textbooks are required for this class. In addition, students must have access to a computer that can interface appropriately with the WebCT format and they must be adequately proficient in keyboarding skills to complete all work in this format. It is strongly suggested that students utilize the course outline in order to pace their work for timely submission. All assignments are submitted online and are due as specified in the syllabus. Exams, when assigned, are also administered online and must be taken as scheduled. No make-up exams will be given. If there are extenuating circumstances that require consideration (i.e., extended illness, serious accident), the student must make an appointment with the instructor to discuss the matter. (This can be done via teleconference.) Proof supporting the student’s position will be required. **NOTE: The final exam week is clearly noted on the course outline and in relevant HCC publications. Take this into account NOW when scheduling work or other activities.
This format requires that students have access to a computer with an operating system that is compatible with the type of technology used for the course. Students must possess adequate keyboarding skills so that they can complete assignments. Any questions regarding technological problems should be referred to the Distance Learning Help Desk. Please be sure to read announcements posted on the Entry Page.
To be successful professionally, individuals must write well and meet deadlines. Success is based, in large part, on accountability and responsibility. Therefore, all assignments are due online on designated days. Please plan ahead so that you have adequate time to complete the assignment and deal with technological emergencies (i.e., computer failure, disk corruption, printer glitches, etc.). NOTE: Assignments must be saved as specified, attached to an e-mail message, and submitted via the e-mail system set up for this class. Take time to read the information about how to submit assignments so that you understand how to complete the task. Assignments that are not submitted as specified for the online format are subject to a 5-point deduction. Proper essay, reporting, and citation format is required. APA citation format is required in this class. If students need assistance with writing or format, they may access resources through the Learning Center. These services are available on campus and online. Students should familiarize themselves with the HCC Student Handbook and take score for late assignments advantage of the resources offered at the Learning Center, Library, media lab, and computer labs if needed. LATE ASSIGNMENTS: There is a 48-hour grace period. A 10-point deduction will be made from the final score for the assignment.. Assignments will not be accepted after the grace period expires. Refer to Student Responsibility section for information regarding extenuating circumstances.
WRITING RESOURCES
If students require assistance with writing or format, they may access resources at the Learning Center which is located in the Donohue Building. Learning Center resources are also available online. Students are encouraged to take advantage of resources offered in the HCC Library and the various computer/media labs.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
This class will be conducted in a simulation format utilizing the case studies in the text. Students will be “working” as probation officers who are new to the job and who are in training for their positions. Lecture is the content material in each chapter. The case studies will provide the foundation for analytical and interactive assignments will emphasize concepts/techniques/skills that students are learning. Participation in the form of active and productive discussion, writing assignments, and practical application of techniques will be required to reinforce text material and skills involved in the field of work.
METHOD OF EVALUATION
Points are earned for completing course requirements. Assignments include but are not limited to introductory exercises, exams, research, presentations, and a comprehensive final exam. The Assignment Sheet provides students with the specifics for each assignment. Students will complete the following assignments over the course of the semester:
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
HCC is committed to the full inclusion of all students. Students who, by nature of a documented disability, require classroom equipment or testing/assignment accommodation, should contact the instructor as soon as possible after class begins for the semester. Students may also speak to staff in the Office for Students with Disabilities at 413-552-2417 to request accommodations. Your immediate attention to these arrangements is necessary to support a positive learning experience.
ATTENDANCE POLICY and PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT
This career field requires that employees be on time, dependable, and consistent. Although the classroom is a “virtual” one, attendance is an integral part of the learning process. Attendance for this distance learning course involves being “present” in an asynchronous way. This means that the course is set up so that you can do your work at whatever time you wish provided that you meet established deadlines. There are no specific times that all participants must meet to chat or have discussions.
However, the course does require spending time online researching specific topics and posting responses to issues presented by the instructor. Students should be “present” by way of posting comments for ongoing discussions at least three times per week. The instructor will provide a list of discussion topics but students are encouraged to post interesting topics of their own that are related to the subject matter. You should find at least three things to discuss each of those times. That means that as I review posting data, I should see 9 postings per week per student. There are 14 weeks in the Fall and Spring semesters so the minimum acceptable number of postings is 126. Summer sessions are 7 weeks in duration; therefore, the minimum acceptable number of postings would be 63. Your comments need to be substantial and relevant. Participation is required and is worth 25 points toward your final grade. The more “visible” you are, the better. In this online format, dismissal with a grade of “AW” will occur only if a student fails to log in by the designated day/time at the beginning of the semester. After that, it is up to the individual student to determine if (s)he can successfully complete the work required. To aid in decision-making, students who are failing will receive written notice in Week 4 (Week 3 for summer) and after mid-term.
In cases of extended illness or serious accident, the instructor will decide whether or not it will be possible for a student to successfully complete course requirements. Documentation is required to request consideration in such a case.
All HCC policies are in effect regarding academic honesty. Please be sure to review these in your Student Handbook. Your work is to be done by you unless a collaborative effort is assigned and approved. DO NOT use someone else’s words as your own. This is plagiarism and will result in a most negative consequence. If you are considering using plagiarism tools available to you online, DON’T
STUDENT CONDUCT
It is expected that the learning environment will be positive and productive. Therefore, inappropriate and/or disruptive conduct will not be tolerated. Students will communicate in an appropriate and professional manner at all times. Use of profanity is prohibited. Please refer to the Communication Policy which is provided in detail on the WebCT Entry Page.
Office hours are posted on my office door (FR166). It is expected that students will conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner by setting an appointment to have extended conversations or privately discuss any concerns they may have. An appointment sheet is prominently posted. Sign up for time so that I can expect you. You may call so that I can make an appointment for you.
EXTRA CREDIT and GRADES OF “I” (incomplete)
Extra credit is not available for this course. Students must complete assignments as specified and address concerns with the instructor as they arise. Grades of incomplete will not be given unless exigent circumstances exist. To be clear: failure to complete work due to time management issues is not an exigent circumstance. If a student finds that (s)he will be unable to finish the work, the student should drop the course observing established deadlines for doing so.
FINAL EXAM
The final exam, if scheduled for this class, will be given during finals week which is scheduled as noted on the calendar attached. MARK THIS IN YOUR PERSONAL CALENDARS NOW. THE FINAL MUST BE TAKEN WHEN SCHEDULED.