Write a 1650-2250 word essay (add 1100 words) that relates and applies the course material topics found in Module Six, Module Seven, and Module Eight to two of the online videos or radio programs listed below.
Topics
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Mod 6 – History of Canadian Prisons and Correctional Philosophy
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Topics to relate to
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Section 6.1: History of Canadian Prisons and Correctional Philosophy
Canada’s Foundational Penitentiaries: Kingston and Stony Mountain
Canadian Prisons During the 1900s
Section 6.2: Correctional Philosophies -
Section 6.2: Correctional Philosophies
Carceral States and Capitalism
The Age of Retribution
Steven Harper and Penal Populism -
The Role of Elites in Shaping Penal Populism
Governing through Crime -
Section 6.3: Warehousing, Privatization, and Super-Jails
Module 7: Correctional Institutions: Inside the Walls
List of Topics and Sub-Modules for Module 7: Correctional Institutions: Inside the Walls
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Section 7.1: Profile of Canada’s Inmate Population
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Section 7.1: Profile of Canada’s Inmate Population
Profile of Inmates
Classifying Prisoners -
Beyond Rehabilitation – Dangerous Offenders
How are Inmates Assessed?
Section 7.2: Violence, Gangs, and Prison Subcultures -
Section 7.2: Violence, Gangs, and Prison Subcultures
Jails and Hazing Violence -
Prison as Sites of Rage, Riots, and Resistance
Prison Justice Day -
Section 7.3: Female Incarceration in Canada
Module 8: Correctional Institutions: Pains of Imprisonment and Hopes for Justice
List of Topics and Sub-Modules for Module 8: Correctional Institutions: Pains of Imprisonment and Hopes for Justice
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Section 8.1: The Pains of Imprisonment
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Section 8.2: Rehabilitation and Restorative Justice
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Section 8.3: Prison Abolitionism
Marking will be based on overall readability (including spelling and grammar), inclusion of references, and the proper integration of course material. Your essay should contain at least 12 references to the course material from at least four (5) of the sections in Modules Six, Seven, and Eight.
Videos:
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Conviction; 2019 (video, 1:18:12 CC and descriptive audio)
(May require registration to CBC Gem, or you may sign in to a Laurentian Gmail account to watch for free.) -
Behind the Wall; 2010 (video;49:00 CC)
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Life Inside Out; 2005 (video, 1:13:29 CC)
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Louis Theroux: Behind Bars; 2008 (video, 59:00)
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Kids in Jail; 2013 (video, 45:43 CC)
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Sentenced to Life; 2003 (video, 1:10:08 CC)
Radio Programs:
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Prison, On Drugs; 2018 (audio, 42:37)
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Life Jolt; 2021 (Episode 2: Welcome to Grand Valley; audio, 43:24)
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Life Jolt; 2021 (Episode 5: Inside and Indigenous; audio, 44:01)
Outline
Title: Exploring Canadian Correctional Institutions Through Media: An Analysis of “Conviction” and “Behind the Wall”
Introduction:
The Canadian correctional system has undergone significant transformations over the years, influenced by various historical, philosophical, and sociological factors. This essay aims to relate and apply the course material from Modules Six, Seven, and Eight to two online videos, “Conviction” and “Behind the Wall.” These videos provide valuable insights into the realities of incarceration and the challenges faced by inmates within the Canadian correctional system.
I. Historical and Philosophical Perspectives on Canadian Prisons and Correctional Philosophies
A. The History of Canadian Prisons and Correctional Philosophy
B. Correctional Philosophies and the Age of Retribution
C. Warehousing, Privatization, and Super-Jails
II. Correctional Institutions: Inside the Walls – Profile of Canada’s Inmate Population
A. Inmate Classification and Beyond Rehabilitation
B. Violence, Gangs, and Prison Subcultures
C. Female Incarceration in Canada – Challenges and Issues
III. Pains of Imprisonment and Hopes for Justice
A. Health Effects and Violence in Correctional Institutions
B. Rehabilitation and Restorative Justice – Addressing Recidivism
C. The Case for Prison Abolitionism and Alternatives to Incarceration
IV. Analysis of “Conviction” and “Behind the Wall” in Relation to Course Material
A. “Conviction”: Exploring the Canadian Prison System Through Personal Narratives
1. The portrayal of historical and sociological aspects in the documentary
2. The depiction of correctional philosophies and their impact on inmate experiences
3. The portrayal of the pains of imprisonment and hopes for justice in the film
B. “Behind the Wall”: Insights into Prison Subcultures and Inmate Experiences
1. Examination of violence, gangs, and prison subcultures presented in the documentary
2. Analysis of the challenges faced by female inmates in the Canadian correctional system
3. Discussion of the portrayal of rehabilitation and restorative justice in the film
Conclusion:
The examination of “Conviction” and “Behind the Wall” through the lens of course material sheds light on the complex nature of the Canadian correctional system. It highlights the historical development, philosophical underpinnings, and the challenges faced by inmates within these institutions. The films provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of prisoners, allowing for a better understanding of the social, psychological, and systemic factors that shape their realities. By incorporating course material, this analysis contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the Canadian correctional system and encourages critical engagement with issues related to prisons, incarceration, and justice.
References: (Example, more references needed)
Course material from Modules Six, Seven, and Eight
“Conviction” (2019) documentary
“Behind the Wall” (2010) documentary
Additional scholarly sources on Canadian correctional institutions, sociological perspectives on incarceration, and related topics.