This course explores the dominant sociological approaches to understanding punishment in modern society. The course also focuses on punishment as practiced in the United States in light of these theoretical approaches, examining the collateral consequences of punishment and the importance of racial, gender, and sexual identities in relation to punishment.
Outcomes: Understand the philosophical justifications for punishment; understand social theories of punishment; critically assess the role punishment plays in modern society; understand the consequences of punishment for individuals, communities, and society.
Outcomes: Understand the philosophical justifications for punishment; understand social theories of punishment; critically assess the role punishment plays in modern society; understand the consequences of punishment for individuals, communities, and society.