AFR 410(S) Race, Culture, and Incarceration (Same as Political Science 302)*
This seminar examines poverty, race, democratic and police cultures and incarceration. The United States has the greatest incarceration and execution rates in
the industrialized world-estimated at about 2 million detained, with over 3000
on death row. Poor people and people of color comprise the majority of those
imprisoned due to the war on drugs and racial and economic bias in policing and
sentencing. This course explores the intersections of democracy and captivity in
penal sites and civil societies. Students study text, artifacts and screen documentaries concerning: the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which abolished slavery while legalizing it for prisoners; the 14th Amendment (originally
designed to protect the emancipated but largely enforced to protect corporations
as "persons"); the convict prison lease system; contemporary critiques of prison
systems; and penal narratives. (See: http://www.williams.edu/african-american-
studies/democracy.htm). There is also an experiential education requirement or
field study associated with this course. Readings include works by Michel Foucault, Ida B. Wells, Angela Y. Davis, George Jackson, Malcolm X, and the political writings of those currently incarcerated.
Format: seminar. Requirements: four 3- to 4-page critiques of readings (50%);
group presentations (25%); final project with experiential education component
(25%); attendance at all classes and participation in all events.
Prerequisites: previous study of racial politics in the United States.
Permission of instructor required. Enrollment limit: 20 (expected: 20). (With
permission of Chair this course may also substitute for AAS/AFR 400.)