In this class, we will look at several forms of “school” that have historically emerged behind the walls of U.S. prisons. These have included formal university-funded humanities education, trade training, high school and high school equivalency classes and, most importantly, self-organized political education and study groups. Moments of the latter have caused some political and politicized prisoners to refer to prisons as “universities of revolution.” In today’s prison abolitionist movement, inside-outside study groups serve as social hubs, political workshops and cultural anchors. By looking closely at how imprisoned people and their supporters both organize and navigate institutional education programs, we will build a historical and theoretical overview of prison education, with important insights for understanding both prisons and education in general.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Crosslisted Courses:

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Alexander

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: