In liberal-democratic society, what does it mean for governments to use punishment in pursuit of justice? In this course, students will be given the opportunity to put punishment in historical and social context. In doing so, the course provides an inroad to understand not only bureaucratic mechanisms of social control, but also to understanding society and government more broadly. The way societies distribute punishment tells us a great deal about morality, group membership, social inequality, and the maintenance of political sovereignty. This course will draw on classical sociological theories of punishment, as well as contemporary debates on the use and character of punishment in the U.S. Students will also have the opportunity to explore classical theories of government, as well as contemporary social and political theory of punishment.
Semester Offered
Spring