College/School
School of Liberal Arts
Course Description
This course examines the historical development of the American carceral state. First coined by French theorist
Michel Foucault in the 1970s, the term “carceral” is now used by scholars to refer to the broad constellation of
punitive state institutions, policies, and actions. Since the nation’s founding, American governance has increasingly
embraced punishment as its primary social policy, directly precipitating the current crisis of mass incarceration.
Students will understand not only how incarceration disproportionately impacted people of color, but also how the
architects of our “Prison Nation” mobilized ideas about race, class, gender, and sexuality in their quest to cage more
humans than any other nation on earth.
Michel Foucault in the 1970s, the term “carceral” is now used by scholars to refer to the broad constellation of
punitive state institutions, policies, and actions. Since the nation’s founding, American governance has increasingly
embraced punishment as its primary social policy, directly precipitating the current crisis of mass incarceration.
Students will understand not only how incarceration disproportionately impacted people of color, but also how the
architects of our “Prison Nation” mobilized ideas about race, class, gender, and sexuality in their quest to cage more
humans than any other nation on earth.
Grade Modes
Standard (S)
Course Attributes
Diverse Perspectives (SEDP), Humanities (GEHU)