Northern Essex Community College
Module 13 Writing Assignment
Review the assignment overview, learning objectives, directions, and submission expectations before submitting your work.
Overview
This assignment is designed to help you examine and compare two foundational correctional models—the Pennsylvania System and the Auburn System—and their influence on the development of American corrections. By analyzing each system from multiple perspectives, you will evaluate how differences in design, cost, ideology, rehabilitation goals, and living conditions shaped correctional practices. The assignment requires you to consider both systems independently, presenting reasoned arguments for why each could be viewed as more effective than the other. Through comparison and reflection, you will explore the broader implications of these early correctional philosophies for modern correctional policy. The goal is to deepen your understanding of how historical correctional models continue to inform contemporary debates about punishment and rehabilitation.
Student Learning Objectives
(These objectives support the assignment and are not the questions to be answered.)
- LO1: Examine the extent that data has on developing policies to address criminal behavior. (LO3)
- LO2: Identify the differences between the UCR/NIBRS and NCVS as they relate to crime data. (LO3)
Assignment Topic
- One arguing why the Pennsylvania System was more effective
- One arguing why the Auburn System was more effective
- Facility Design
- Describe how each institution was physically designed
- Explain how design reflected the underlying correctional philosophy
- Cost and Resources
- Discuss the costs associated with designing and maintaining each system
- Explain how financial considerations influenced the sustainability of each model
- Offender Rehabilitation
- Explain how each system attempted to rehabilitate offenders
- Assess whether rehabilitation was a realistic goal under each model
- Facility Ideology
- Describe the guiding ideology behind each system
- Explain how views on punishment, reform, and human behavior shaped institutional practices
- Living Conditions
- Analyze daily life for incarcerated individuals under each system
- Consider isolation, labor, discipline, and mental or physical effects
Acceptable and Ethical Use of AI
- Use AI to help you organize and compare the Pennsylvania and Auburn correctional systems across facility design, cost, ideology, rehabilitation, and living conditions so you can plan your paper before writing.
- Use AI to assist you in structuring a two-sided argument that explains why each correctional system could be viewed as more effective than the other, helping you outline your comparative analysis before completing the assignment.
Directions
Please read all instructions carefully before submitting your assignment.
- Your paper should be 2-3 pages, using APA style, including 12 font and 1-inch margins.
- A minimum of at least two (2) sources, with proper APA citations in a Reference Page and proper in-text citations.
- Abstract NOT needed.
- Submissions are checked against a Plagiarism Checker and AI Detector.
- Direct quotes should not exceed 15% of the total paper.
- AI Usage – you must use AI ethically. Papers written by an AI is cheating.
Submission Guidelines
- Submit your assignment through the designated submission area.
- Ensure your file is in [accepted format: Word, PDF, etc.].
- Review the grading rubric before submitting your work.
Important Reminder
Important: All work must be your own. Follow course policies regarding academic integrity and the use of outside sources or tools.
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