What kinds of writing are possible under conditions of violent coercion and control? Prison writing gives us a glimpse into the human costs of mass incarceration, as well as the enormous power of human creativity, even in the most degrading circumstances. Although prison writing is as old as prison itself, this program will focus on work produced by those incarcerated in the United States in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Students will read authors such as Assata Shakur, Leonard Peltier, Jimmy Santiago Baca, and Mohamedou Ould Slahi. Lectures will seek to contextualize the work of these authors within the history of mass incarceration. Students will practice honing their close reading skills through reflective and creative writing exercises. Final group projects will focus on alternatives to incarceration and may include a creative component. Students will be expected to engage in thoughtful and occasionally challenging conversations about forms of power and privilege operating in the texts and on our own bodies. 

Qualified students may earn program credit for participation in the Gateways Academic Mentoring Program. If you are not already an AMP volunteer and would like to apply, please contact glattard@evergreen.edu and walsha@evergreen.edu .