Criminalization and Public Health in the U.S.

Catalog description

This course offers a historical review and critical analysis of criminalization in the United States (US) from a public health perspective. Students will examine the development of US carceral structures, with an emphasis on those related to mental health and drug use, and how these structures impact individual, family, community, and population health. Critical race theory, criminology, social theory, and other theoretical frameworks will be used to investigate the policies, norms, and practices defining criminalization in the US today, and the social movements for change. [Trigger warning: Course readings include graphic depictions of violence.]