Law, Jurisp & Social Thought 354 - Abolition, Then and Now (Research Seminar)

(Research Seminar)

In the nineteenth century, abolitionists organized and fought to end slavery in the United States. Today, abolitionists advocate for an end to mass incarceration and police brutality—both direct legacies, they argue, from the institution of slavery. In this course, we will explore these separate movements in depth and track parallels between them, debating the continued usefulness of abolition as a political label. We will begin with a historical exploration of the movement to end slavery in all its racial, gender, class, and ideological diversity, focusing on abolitionist tactics, goals, and influence in the antebellum period. Moving into the contemporary period, we will encounter foundational voices in the prison and police abolitionist movements, including Angela Davis, Ruth Wilson Gilmore, Mariame Kabe, and Jackie Wang. We will close with an investigation of the disturbing connections between the law’s treatment of fugitive slaves in the nineteenth century and of undocumented immigrants today. Early in the seminar, students will develop a proposal for an independent research project that they will conduct over the course of the semester.

Professor Brush. Offered Spring Semester. Limited to 15 students.

How to handle overenrollment: Priority given to LJST upperclassman for major requirement.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Course Expectations will include Written Analysis, Short Oral Presentations, In-class discussion and small-group work and an independent research project.