Not offered 2007-2008
AFR 410 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.)
JAMES