Academic Calendar

CORR – Correctional Services

CORR 100
Human Relations
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

The course assists students to become aware of the process of communication and the way in which it can be improved. Interpersonal communication skills are emphasized together with the awareness of self, the impact of self upon others and the relationship of these skills to the work of the corrections/criminal justice professional.

CORR 102
Foundations of Criminal Law
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students study criminal law as it relates to the function of the corrections/criminal justice worker. The origin and development of Canada’s legal system is examined, and students study current legislation including the Criminal Code, the Alberta Corrections Act, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Particular attention is given to the Canadian judicial system.

CORR 104
Criminal Justice System
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This course provides an overview of the criminal justice system as it operates in Canada, from the commission of a crime to the termination of the sentence given to an offender. Included is an examination of the police, courts and correctional programs, including probation, fine options, community service orders, conditional sentences, incarceration and conditional release. A review of criminal justice history and philosophy, with a particular focus on correctional practice, is presented.

CORR 110
Introductory Criminology
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This is an introductory course in criminology that examines the development of criminological thought, theories of crime causation from varying perspectives, the concepts of crime and delinquent behaviour, the public understanding of and reaction to crime, and the methods by which crime is measured.

CORR 112
Correctional Interviewing
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This course is aimed at increasing the student’s helping skills in order to work effectively in a corrections/criminal justice environment. Specific interviewing skills are taught including relationship building, active listening and attending, client observation and empathy. Assessment skills and information management/record keeping are also presented. Students have an opportunity to assess their own values and ethics within the context of the helping relationship.

CORR 114
Introduction to Field Placement
2 Credits          Total (0-0-120)

Field placements constitute the practical component of the program and they provide an opportunity for the integration of theory and practice. The purpose of the first year placement is to provide students with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate professional competencies based on the knowledge, skills and values learned in the program courses.

CORR 116
Integration Seminar I
1 Credit          Weekly (0-0-2)

Integration Seminar provides an opportunity for students to share their field placement experiences, to identify and discuss current issues and to apply and integrate course material with placement activities. Students focus on professional practice skills such as leadership, ethical decision making and advocacy. This seminar is taken concurrently with CORR 214 Field Placement II.

Co-requisites: CORR 214.

CORR 118
Introduction to Corrections
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This course examines Canadian correctional systems, policies and practices including those provided by federal, provincial and non-governmental agencies. Topic areas include a brief history of corrections, differing perspectives on punishment and correctional intervention, community and prison based correctional programming, operational effectiveness and future trends in correctional policy and practice. International approaches to correctional programming are also presented.

CORR 120
Restorative Justice
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students explore and analyze the key principles and assumptions of restorative justice. The course contrasts restorative and retributive justice models, and provides an introduction to current and emerging practices in the Canadian criminal justice system including conferencing, victim/offender reconciliation programs, and mediation and peacemaking circles. International examples of alternative dispute resolution are also discussed.

CORR 202
Diversity and Justice in Canada
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

Students explore diversity and justice within Canadian society from both current and historical perspectives. Topics including social inequality, gender and sexuality, multiculturalism, religion and spirituality, age, privilege and oppression, and ability are examined within the context of the Canadian criminal justice system. Students learn how to interact respectfully and ethically with people from diverse backgrounds and ways to incorporate this awareness into their professional practice.

CORR 204
Addiction in the Criminal Justice System
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This course covers common psychoactive drugs, drug-use patterns, intervention strategies and current best practices in prevention, treatment and recovery. Students learn about key strategies in assessment and referral, and concepts including education, health promotion and harm reduction. Changing political and social attitudes regarding addictions are also explored.

CORR 206
Addiction in the Criminal Justice System
2 Credits          Weekly (2-0-0)

This course covers common psychoactive drugs, drug-use patterns, intervention strategies and current best practices in treatment and recovery. Students learn about key strategies in screening, assessment and referral, and concepts including prevention, health promotion and harm reduction. Changing political and social attitudes regarding addictions are also explored.

CORR 208
Selected Issues in Criminal Justice
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This course involves the exploration and critical evaluation of current scholarship regarding two designated topics in areas of study relevant to criminal justice students. Topics covered vary based on the expertise of faculty, requirements of the overall program of study, and suggestions from stakeholders. Topics may include areas of study such as: specific offender populations, emerging trends or issues in the fields of Canadian corrections and criminal justice, and/or innovative approaches to rehabilitation and reintegration. Students should consult with a university advisor for details regarding current offerings.

CORR 210
Correctional Methods and Practice
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This course provides students with an examination of the principles, values and effectiveness of correctional programming in both community and institutional settings. Case management strategies including investigation, classification, documentation, supervision and intervention are emphasized. The role and responsibility of the corrections/criminal justice professional are also presented and discussed. Case studies are employed to give students practical experience.

CORR 212
Correctional Counselling
4 Credits          Weekly (4-0-0)

This course builds on the concepts and skills acquired in CORR 112 Correctional Interviewing. Using the case study method, students learn about and apply a variety of counselling methods and techniques including problem-solving, cognitive behavioural therapy, solution focused/motivational approaches and group counselling skills. As well, an overview of strategies to work effectively with special needs offender populations including youth, violent offenders and offenders with mental health issues is presented.

Prerequisites: CORR 112.

CORR 214
Field Placement I
4 Credits          Total (0-0-180)

Field placements constitute the practical component of the program, and provide the opportunity for the integration of theory and practice. The purpose of placements is to provide students, within the context of specific field settings, the opportunity to develop and demonstrate professional practice at an intermediate level based on the knowledge, skills and values taught in program courses. This placement is taken concurrently with CORR 116 Integration Seminar l.

Co-requisites: CORR 116.

CORR 216
Integration Seminar II
1 Credit          Weekly (0-0-2)

Integration Seminar provides an opportunity for students to share their experiences in field placement, to identify and discuss current issues and to apply and integrate course material with placement activities. Students focus on professional practice skills and career development strategies such as job search techniques, resume preparation, interviews and networking. The seminar is taken concurrently with CORR 224 Field Placement III.

Prerequisites: CORR 214 and CORR 116.

Co-requisites: CORR 224.

CORR 218
Youth and Crime
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This course provides an overview of the historical, social, and legal influences on youth and their involvement in the Canadian youth criminal justice system. Theoretical explanations of youth behaviour are examined. Emphasis is placed on the role of current and emerging social policies, programs, and practices that influence the behaviour of Canadian youth.

CORR 220
Correctional Counselling
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This course builds on the concepts and skills acquired in CORR 112 Correctional Interviewing. Students assess their own values and ethics within the context of the counselling relationship. Using activity-based learning, students are introduced to common counselling approaches used in the field of corrections, including problem-solving, cognitive behavioural therapy, strength-based approaches, and group counselling. Students learn and demonstrate the basic skills used within each counselling approach.

Prerequisite: CORR 112.

CORR 224
Field Placement II
4 Credits          Total (0-0-180)

Field placements constitute the practical component of the program, and provide the opportunity for the integration of theory and practice. This placement is taken concurrently with CORR 216 Integration Seminar II. The purpose of placements is to provide students, within the context of specific field settings, the opportunity to develop and demonstrate advanced professional practice based on the knowledge, skills and values learned in program courses.

Prerequisites: CORR 214 and CORR 116.

Co-requisites: CORR 216.