LA 221: History of the Prison

Course Description

History of prison architecture, landscapes, and carceral regimes from ancient times until the present. Topics include: philosophy of punishment, the invention of the modern prison, the advent of mass incarceration, and 21st century geographies of incarceration. The course focuses on the western experience, but also includes international examples, e.g. from China, East Africa, and Japan. Interdisciplinary approach includes readings in architectural history, urban planning, sociology, philosophy, psychology, history, and landscape studies. Same as AFRO 221 and HIST 219.