Southern New Hampshire University
CJ-210 The U.S. Correctional System
Modules 1-8 Overview
Module 1 Overview
In this course, you will focus on the corrections component of the criminal justice system. In
addition to learning about today’s system, you will also learn about the history of corrections in
the United States, as well as consider some of the potential shifts that may be coming in the
future. You will explore the people, processes, and jurisdictions of both penal and community
options. Also, you will focus on increasingly important topics regarding race, gender, and age,
such as prison sexual violence, the “invisible punishment” of felony convictions, and
considerations around juvenile corrections. Finally, you will consider different rehabilitation
programs and how to decrease recidivism. You will explore careers in corrections, and store
class-related documents in your ePortfolio that will help you in your problem-solving class at the
end of this program.
Module One gives foundational knowledge about the purposes of sentencing and punishment:
deterrence, rehabilitation, retribution, incapacitation, and restitution. The terms sentencing and
punishment are often used interchangeably in the field and in this course, as sentencing is the
way punishment is administered. Additionally, you will also explore grant writing and a
statement of need as this relates to the project assignment. Finally, you will participate in a
discussion in which you will introduce yourself to the class and share ideas about the future of
