PHIL 2230 Mass Incarceration: Philosophical and Theological Perspectives
This course explores problems of justice in relation to incarceration in the United States with particular attention to race, social class, gender, and immigration status. We will read authors writing on the philosophy of race, gender, and class in relation to incarceration, the phenomenology of solitary confinement and the concept of " social death," church documents and theological works on incarceration, and works on restorative justice and other models of justice that serve the common good. Catholic Social Justice teachings and discussion will also be a part of the course. The course will also address interconnections between immigration and incarceration. This course is offered as a PULSE elective and includes experiential, project-based learning. Satisfies the following distribution requirement (s) for Philosophy: Ethics & Values. Prerequisite (s): Philosophy or Theology Core.
Course overview
- Department
- Philosophy
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Periodically in the Fall
Catalog details
- Satisfies core
- Cultural Diversity
Requirements fulfilled
- Philosophy: Free Philosophy electives (five courses, 15 credits); up to two approved cognate courses in other departments may also count (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- University Core: Cultural Diversity (All undergraduates)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.44 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.48 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 3
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Cherie Mcgill | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 5.0 | — | 8 of 10 |
| Spring 2024 | Marina Mccoy | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 7 of 7 |
| Spring 2023 | Marina Mccoy | 3.4 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 3.4 | 4–6 hrs/week | 7 of 8 |