english 52-2680 - Doing Time in America:An Interdisciplinary Approach

Institution:

Columbia College-Chicago

Subject:

Description:

In this class, students will explore prison culture in America by examining the history and philosophy of prisons, and the way prisons are portrayed in literature, film, and television, including popular shows such as Prison Break and OZ. Given America's fascination with crime and the swelling number of incarcerated individuals (over two million in America), the class raises important questions and issues about poverty and privilege, punishment and redemption. Students will discuss the similarities between prisons and various dissimilar institutions (such as colleges) that also have their own language, rituals, and hierarchy. In addition to readings, screenings, and discussions, the class will host guest speakers (such as a prison guard, a former inmate, a public defender, and a prison minister) who work closely with prison populations. Students will read one novel about crime and punishment in America, as well as articles, essays, stories, poems, prison narratives, song lyrics, and excerpts from longer works of both fiction and nonfiction about prisoners and life behind bars, as well as about the culture that surrounds those incarcerated. 3 CRE DITS PREREQUISITES: 52-1152 WRITING AND RHETORIC II

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.colum.edu

Phone Number:

(312) 663-1600

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.