YS 613 - Criminalization and Youth Development (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None
This course examines the intersection of youth and criminalization in the age of mass incarceration and how race, socio-economic status, gender and other factors influence this topic. Course readings will include literature in the following areas: mass incarceration, the school-to-prison pipeline, undocumented youth and their families, and constructions of youth of color. Seeking to acknowledge those with lived experience as the experts on these topics, the course readings, assignments and lectures incorporate as much first person testimonials as possible. This course emphasizes knowledge of and involvement in organizations that work with youth impacted by the justice system. Students are required to personally connect with such organizations and youth and collaborate with them to learn about the most pressing issues in their communities.