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Despite current talks about criminal justice reforms and decarceration, the U.S. prison system still negatively affects the lives of millions of people – especially from communities of color. After historically situating current systems of confinement, we will investigate the U.S. prison apparatus in all its complexity (e.g. underlying legislation and law enforcement, types of prisons, for-profit incarceration, aging prison populations, long-term effects of imprisonment). We will address the system from a variety of perspectives and positionalities, including those of prisoners and their relatives, prison staff, activists, policy makers and politicians. Throughout the course, a particular focus will be placed on cultural and media (re)presentations of the prison system, including TV series, documentaries, writings, photography and paintings. Arts produced by prisoners will play a central role. |
