As part of the ''SAGE Course Companion'' series, this book provides a comprehensive introduction and overview of the discipline of penology. It provides hints and tips on how to apply this information to maximum effect in coursework and examinations. This is a highly accessible text for those new to prison studies, or for anyone looking for a refresher. It provides structure and background for all prison and punishment modules on undergraduate criminology and criminal justice degrees. Written in a straightforward and clear style, the book gives detailed explanations for all academic terms used. ''The Penology Course Companion'' provides: easy access to the key themes in punishment and prison studies; helpful summaries of the approach taken by the main course textbooks; guidance on the essential study skills required to pass the course; help with developing critical thinking; taking it Further sections that suggest how readers can extent their thinking beyond the ''received wisdom''; and pointers to success in course exams and written assessment exercises.