Thinking about Punishment in Berlin: A Socio-Legal Inquiry Into Barbarity and Cruelty - Detailseite

What makes certain punishments “barbaric”, “cruel”, or “inhumane”? And why are other penal rituals considered more “civilised”, “humane”, or “dignified” than others? Can we identify a clear and consistent set of criteria for these distinctions, and are these criteria truly legitimate? Throughout this interdisciplinary course, students will be invited to think critically about these and related questions by examining the legal, philosophical, sociological, anthropological and historical literature on punishment and penal sanctions in different historical periods and societies. The course aims to draw on various references from contexts such as Germany, the United States, France, and Japan. To enrich the learning experience, we also aim to include group excursions to Berlin’s significant historical sites and contemporary prisons to provide students with first-hand insights into both the modern penal system and its historical development. In addition, students are welcome to suggest potential sites for visits, which may be considered if feasible.

Language Requirements: English B2, German A1 (desirable, but not required)

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• The detailed syllabus for this course is available on the Berlin Perspectives website:
   https://hic.hu-berlin.de/en/berlin-perspectives/courses
• This course is part of the Berlin Perspectives program for international exchange students. Regular degree-seeking students are also welcome to attend within the elective part of their study program. Courses are offered by the Career Center as part of the elective program üWP.
• Berlin Perspectives seminars are specifically designed for undergraduate-level As a Master's student, please check with your university beforehand to confirm whether the study points can be recognized.
• Upon completion of the seminar, students will receive 5 ECTS.
• Places are allocated via Agnes through a lottery procedure (not on a first-come, first-served basis).
• Registration for the Winter Semester 2024/25 is open until Wednesday, 9 October, 16:00 (4:00pm).
   If you have missed the registration deadline, it is still possible to register for the waiting list on Agnes.
• You will be notified by 11 October 2024 if you have been allocated a place.
• If you are in, please make sure to attend the first session to confirm your participation. If you have changed your mind about the course, kindly sign out in Agnes. Other students will be happy to take your place in the seminar.
• If are on the waiting list, there is still a chance of moving up in the first few weeks of the semester if other students decide to drop the course. In that case, please inform the teachers of your interest.