SOC 390-02 - Advanced Studies: School to Prison Pipeline (Spring)

4 credits (Spring)

The “school-to-prison pipeline” describes the increasing flow of U.S. students from schools into the carceral system – for example, by involving police to arrest (disproportionately disadvantaged) “disruptive” students. We will read foundational theoretical texts (e.g., Foucault’s Discipline and Punish), examine the sociological, political, and educational literature on the phenomenon, and look critically at current media coverage of events. Assignments will include short memos, a critical review of the literature, and a mini-empirical project on current events.

Prerequisite: At least one 200-level sociology course and third-year standing.
Note: Plus-2 option available.
Instructor: Devine-Eller