SOC 216 Probation and Parole: Theoretical and Practical Approaches

3 hours 

This course explores the history, evolution, and functions of probation departments and parole agencies as components of the criminal justice system. It examines the practice of "risk assessment," which relies on social science as a basis for predicting the behavior of convicted persons while on probation (as an alternative to incarceration) as well as individuals released from imprisonment on parole. The course also focuses on the problems of high rates of revocations due to violations of the conditions imposed on probationers and parolees, and the high rates of recidivism. By studying intermediate sanctions and parole, the course will grapple with questions about the social reaction to crime as well as the challenges associated with reentry into mainstream society after years of confinement in penal institutions.