UMass Boston

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Punishment & Corrections

Course Overview

Date / Time Location Credits Minimium Tuition*
1/26/26 - 5/13/26
TuTh 2p.m. – 3:15p.m.		 Wheatley-Peters W02-0198 3 $2065 (guest students)
Date
1/26/26 - 5/13/26
Time
TuTh 2p.m. – 3:15p.m.
Location
Wheatley-Peters W02-0198
Credits
3
Min. Tuition*
$2065 (guest students)

Description

This course provides a general overview of the American correctional system. The course will consider how society responds to crime by looking at approaches to punishment and corrections. The class will explore the history of punishment, the internal dynamics and workings of a prison, the experiences of both corrections officers and the individuals who are incarcerated, and the impact former inmates and our correctional systems have on our communities. Throughout the course, students will examine the issues that challenge corrections today including shifting societal expectations. The course considers a number of issues such as the history of penology; jails, prisons, and community-based supervision; the duties and discretion of correctional employees; and prisoner reentry.

Prerequisites

SOCIOL 101 and SOCIOL 104.

Guest registration opens Jan 4

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Course Details

Session

Regular Academic Session

Class Dates

1/26/2026 - 5/13/2026

Location

Wheatley-Peters W02-0198

Enrolled / Capacity

35 / 35

Status

Closed

Instructor

Gerald Walsh

Tuition*

$2065 (guest students)

* The tuition estimate is based on minimum, single-course cost to a new student who is a Massachusetts resident and not enrolled in a multi-course program. State residency, online/in person modality, and matriculation to a degree program may affect cost.

Tuition Details