ADEN 1900 Literature of Transformation: System-Impacted Voices

In this class, students will join a community of learners to read texts that visualize life beyond the bounds of the carceral system. The classs focus is two-fold: 1) to delve into the liberatory power of literature and 2) to engage in the practical cultivation of college skills that will ensure student success at BC. Students will collaboratively read poetry, philosophical consolation, memoirs, essays, and short fiction to examine the ways that authors use literary expression to critique systems, to humanize individuals who have been incarcerated, and to imagine new futures. The assignments, activities, and projects will introduce students to college technologies, offer practice in planning and scheduling time, help students identify and utilize resources geared for student success, and prepare students to conduct library research. Students will also engage in self-reflection and create an academic plan that empowers them to make the most of their educational experience.

Course overview

Department
Advancing Studies
School
ADV
Credits
4
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Periodically

Course evaluations

Response-weighted averages from Boston College’s official course evaluations (Avalanche/Blue).

Course rating
4.83 / 5 · Excellent
6 responses
Instructor rating
5.00 / 5 · Excellent
6 responses
Terms evaluated
3
Most recent: Spring 2026

Scales: overall ratings run from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent); agreement questions from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree); weekly effort from 1 (up to 1 hour) to 5 (10 or more hours).

Evaluations by term and instructor
TermInstructorCourse overallInstructor overallWell organizedClear learning objectivesIntellectually challengingHelpful assignmentsApplicable beyond courseAttendance necessaryWeekly effortResponses
Spring 2026Michelle Brooks4.05.05.05.05.05.05.04.07–9 hrs/week1 of 3
Spring 2025Michelle Brooks5.05.05.05.05.05.05.04.5—2 of 4
Fall 2024Michelle Brooks5.05.05.05.04.75.05.05.010+ hrs/week3 of 5

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-10-09. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Michelle Brooks
    Spring 2027, Fall 2026, Spring 2026, Spring 2025, Fall 2024 · Official rating 5.00/5

Sections

  • Section 21
    Spring 2027 · Michelle Brooks · Course will meet biweekly - Attend 1st class for more information;Stokes Hall 117N Th 06:15PM-08:45PM · Offered
  • Section 21
    Fall 2026 · Michelle Brooks · PEP Only;Stokes Hall 117N Th 06:15PM-08:45PM · Offered