Fremont University

College of Social Sciences, Mathematics and Education Department of education

Instructor Heather Seelbach Rose Hall, Room 1451 heather.seelbach@yahoo.com Office Hours Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Office Phone: 770-985-2450 Course Description Term: Fall 2013 Course Name: Mass Incarceration in America (MIA 411) Number of credits: 3 Course Schedule: Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. This course examines the issue of mass incarceration in America. This topic will be presented through the use of text, news and journal articles, and videos. Students will participate in weekly discussions, complete quizzes and write papers for each lesson. Course Prerequisites: None Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Recognize the problems facing the correctional system in America 2. Describe how these problems affect the social, economic and political state of America 3. Identify the causes for overcrowding in America's prisons 4. Discuss current efforts to reduce incarceration and their effectiveness 5. Discuss the correctional systems and incarceration policies for other countries

6. Identify countries with low incarceration rates and effective correctional systems 7. Discuss alternatives programs that may reduce incarceration in America
Grading Requirement Discussion Board Lesson 1 Discussion Board Lesson 2 Group work Lesson 1 Group work Lesson 2 Quiz 1 Quiz 2 Lesson One Paper Lesson Two Paper Points 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

At the end of the semester, grades will be assigned based on the following scale: A AB B BC C CD D F = 184 - 200 points = 178 - 183 points = 164 - 177 points = 158 - 163 points = 144 - 157 points = 136 - 143 points = 120 - 135 points = 119 or less points

Assignments The student ensures assignments meet the highest presentation standards and are professional in appearance. Grammar, punctuation and spelling must be correct in all written submissions. All assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date indicated on the syllabus. Unless the professor approves a late submission prior to this time, only half-credit will be awarded for assignments submitted within 24 hours. No credit will be given for assignments turned in later than this time. All research papers must be written in APA, 6th edition. Academic Integrity

Fremont University is committed to the development of each student and to ensuring each student embraces the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Failure to act with academic integrity tarnishes the reputation of Fremont University, and is strictly enforced. Violation of academic integrity can result in expulsion, failing the course, suspension or expulsion. Any questions about this matter should be directed to the professor. Requirements (full descriptions of each assignment can be found within lesson content) Discussion Board Lesson 1 - initial posts due by Oct. 8, responses due by Oct. 15 Discussion Board Lesson 2 - initial posts due by Nov. 19, responses due by Nov. 26 Group Work Lesson 1 due Oct. 15 Group Work Lesson 2 due during your groups presentation time on Google hangout. Group 1: remote location monitoring. Tuesday, Nov. 19 6:00 p.m. Group 2: shock incarceration and probation. Tuesday Nov. 19 6:45 p.m. Group 3: split sentencing. Tuesday Nov. 19 7:30 p.m. Group 4: intense supervision. Tuesday, Nov. 26 6:00 p.m. Group 5: community service. Tuesday Nov. 26 6:45 p.m. Group 6: home confinement. Tuesday Nov. 26 7:30 p.m. Quiz One due Oct. 8 Quiz Two due Nov. 26 Lesson 1 Paper due Oct. 15 Lesson 2 Paper due Nov. 26 Tentative course schedule: Oct. 1 Read chapters 1-3, read course material, begin working on discussion board and group project. Oct. 8 Read chapters 4-6, read course material, first discussion board posts due for lesson one. Begin responding to classmates posts. Quiz one due.

Oct. 15 Read chapters 7-9, read course material, group project due. Lesson one paper due. Responses for discussion board posts for lesson 1 due.

Nov. 19 Read chapters 10-12, read course material, initial discussion posts due for lesson 2. Quiz 2 due. Nov. 26 Read chapters 13-15, read course material, discussion board responses for lesson 2 due. Group work for lesson 2 due. Lesson 2 paper due.