Prison Human Rights and Gender

The course will examine prison in the U.S. through the lens of human rights and gender by briefly looking at the philosophy of punishment and history of prisons; and the basics of human rights in American and International law. Then we will examine issues about the role of race and how the system of slavery transitioned into mass incarceration. We will learn about the experience of women and gay and transgender prisoners; rape in prison; and how prison reinforces patriarchy, white supremacy and class in society. Lastly, building on what we have learned so far, we will examine different ideas about improving prison conditions and attempts to change the American prison system.

The readings and discussions will focus on the voices and experiences of prisoners and ex-prisoners, and include reformers, policymakers and prison activists.