Advanced study in sociology, with specific topics to be announced at the beginning of each semester.

Over the last four decades, the United States has engaged in a vast policy experiment, embracing a punitive turn in social policy that has left over two million people behind bars, another 4.5 million on probation or parole, and countless more managing the burdens of criminal convictions, legal debts, and police harassment. This class will examine the social consequences of that experiment. Looking broadly at the many ways people come into contact with the criminal legal system, the course will examine how carceral policies shape contemporary relationships of class, race, gender, civic engagement, and public health, as well as offering a critical analysis of criminal justice reforms and policy alternatives. Students will also write a substantial independent research paper on a specific policy, institution, or reform.

Repeat Rules

Requirements class fulfills