Response papers

Week 1 - Writing Assignment- 3 pgs

Please watch the documentary about the history of corrections in the United States by using the link the follows these instructions. This documentary lasts about 50 minutes, and the expectation is that you watch it in its entirety. Please pay careful attention to the following questions as you watch the documentary:

How did the early colonists respond to crime?

There were enormous changes in the late 1700s as a result of the Pennsylvania Prison Society's influence under John Howard. What were some of these changes?

What were the characteristics of the New York (Auburn) silent system of prisons? What were some of the problems with this model?

What were the characteristics of the Pennsylvania separate system of prisons? What were some of the problems with this model?

What is a panopticon prison?

After completing the reading and watching the documentary, please write a 3-page essay addressing the following question:

Our current prison system faces many of the same issues and challenges that were present during the 1800 and 1900s. What are some of these issues and challenges? If you were "in charge" of the prison system in the United States, what would be your suggestions for overcoming some of these issues and improving the prison system overall?

Please use the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ikUWU3cbq8&t=4s

Week 3 - Writing assignment- 3 pgs

The German prison program that inspired Connecticut - YouTube

Please read the article about the pains of imprisonment (the classic work by Sykes) and then watch the YouTube clip about prisons in Germany where the "pains" of being incarcerated are minimized to a great extent and where outcomes for those coming out of prison are better. 

Please write your 3-page reflection this week about how you feel about German prisons .  Do you agree that prisons in the U.S. should be "kinder" and "gentler" OR would that minimize the deterrent efficacy of harsh punishments?  Should the "pains of imprisonment" be as harsh as possible?  Do you think that German-like prisons could be built here in the U.S. where the public sentiment seems to support harsh incarceration?

Week 4 - Writing assignment - 3 pgs

Solitary Confinement Policies Could Make the Prison Pandemic Worse – Mother Jones

Laura Rovner: What happens to people in solitary confinement | TED Talk

This week, please complete the two academic readings which have been posted.  Then, review the Mother Jones article and watch the Ted Talks about solitary confinement/supermax confinement.

Your task is to write a 3-page (possibly longer!) position paper which outlines at least three reasons you would support the use of solitary/supermax confinement AND three reasons you would NOT support the use of solitary/supermax confinement.  Then, draw some final conclusions about which side of your debate has the most supporting evidence.  Be mindful, this is really not a reflection of your own personal opinions, but should be research-based, drawing from the readings and any other material you may come across.

Week 5 - Writing assignment- 3 pgs

Who Makes Money From Private Prisons? - YouTube

This week, please watch the short YouTube video and complete the readings that have been posted. 

Then, simply write a 3-page paper addressing the following question:

If you headed up a state correctional system, would you advocate for using private prisons in your state?  Why or why not?

Week 6 - Writing assignment- 3pgs

Children in Adult Prison (eji.org)

Alice Goffman: How we're priming some kids for college — and others for prison | TED Talk

This week's topic is a broad one - juveniles and incarceration.  I have submitted three readings for you to look at which are quite interesting.  I have also attached a link to a website for the Equal Justice Initiative and their efforts around reducing the number of children serving time in adult prisons.  Finally, I have also attached a link above to a Ted Talks which I think you will find quite interesting.  I know I did!

After reviewing/reading/watching everything, please address the rather broad question noted below.  Your response should be 3 pages and any factual information should be appropriately cited.

Question:  What should we do with juveniles who commit adult-like crimes?