For the purposes of this class writing assignment #1 and #2 have been collapsed into a single assignment with multiple phases. The assignments are scaffolded- meaning each assignment build on the
previous one and will eventually result in single comprehensive paper. The phases of the assignment are listed below with specific directions for each step along with the due dates. At each step I
will provide you with comments in the form of suggestions on how to proceed and/or how to improve upon what you have already done that can be incorporated into your final submission. Please read
this carefully and note the dates. No late assignment will be accepted.
Assignment Goal: The goal of this assignment is to build upon the core concepts of corrections that have been covered in class and allow you to examine the academic and professional literature on a
topic of your choice in corrections. Not only will you examine the specific literature on the topic but you will also critically analyze the literature and brainstorm options for addressing the
issues

Step 1-Selecting a Topic
Select a topic in corrections. You may select a topic/issue/problem involving any aspect of corrections but make sure that your choice has a corrections slant and/or application. It may be
a problem facing corrections in general, a specific population or a specific facility. It need not be a topic we covered in class. You should begin by thinking of your potential topic in broad
terms and then narrow it down to a more manageable topic. In a short paragraphs describe the topic you selected and why you selected it. Be sure to include why you think this topic is important
for the field of corrections. I will give you feedback on the topic you have selected. You may only proceed to step 2 once you have received topic approval (No grades will be given for this step-
only documentation of completion of this step will be recorded). Once you have an approved topic you may NOT switch topics unless you speak with me first.
Step 2- Brainstorming
Come up with a list place that you expect to find information about your topic?
a. Specific websites or organizational pages should be included.
b. You may use your phone or other device to help you in this process
2. What sources you might use to find information on your topic?
3. What are the pro and cons of each source?
4. What key phrases or word would you use to find information about your topic? Compile a list.
Step 3
Based on the information that evolved from the brainstorming session in Step 2, you will seek out non-academic sources on your topic. You may use any source you want for this information but you
should document where you obtained your information. You should have at least 4 sources- you may use more than 4 if you wish. You will write a 1-2 paragraph summary for each source documenting the
information you found. This will be uploaded on Blackboard under assignment ‘Step 3.’ You will bring a printed copy of this assignment with you to class on 10/25 and you will share this with your
group. This information sharing will not only allow you to share the information you found but to hear about what your groupmates found. You will likely find that the information shared will help
you with your own top.
Step 4-Annoted Bibliography
You next step will be to select 5 academic sources on the topic. Academic source in this case refers to journal articles. Using these 5 articles you will create an annotated bibliography.
You upload you annotated bibliography on Blackboard and share your findings with your group in class. Direction for how to create an annotated bibliography are posted on Blackbaord. On blackboard
you will also find a document that will assist you in defining and finding academic work. As always you can seek out assistance from the library.
Step 5
Using all the information you have gather to this point, you will create a 3-4 page literature review. This literature will highlight and summarize all the important information you have
gather on your topic. It should include a statement of the problem or issue as well as why and how it impacts corrections.

Step 6
This step requires you to seek out solutions on how address, deal with or fix the topic/problem/issue in corrections you have selected. You should search out the internet for this option.
You should seek at least 3 different sources. Provide a 1-2 summary of what you find. Please be sure to document the sources of all your information.

Step 7
This is your final and most important step in this writing process. It will synthesize all the pervious step and allow you to think critically and respond to your topic of choice. This step
places you in charge of a correctional facility charged with address the topic/problem/issue you have selected. You will be creating a report outlining your plan. As part of this process you are to
describe the problem and describe a critique what is out there already- what you found in the academic and nonacademic literature as well as what is being done already as practical real world
solutions. You can assume you have the all the backing and support you might need to.
.
This part should be 4-6 page long with a separate cover page and reference page NOT included in the page count.
This will count at 40% of you overall writing grade
Due Dates: the first daft of this page is due by the end of the day on 12/6- everyone MUST submit a first draft. The first draft will be given extensive feedback which can be used to revise
the papers. A final draft is due buy the end of the day on 12/14.