Teaching Literature and Writing in Prisons

Education in prison has the power to empower individuals and challenge oppressive systems, but resources and support are often lacking. This volume provides strategies for developing courses and creating supportive learning environments, as well as approaches to self-care for instructors. Essays incorporate perspectives from incarcerated and non-incarcerated teachers and students, focusing on critical prison studies scholarship and abolitionist perspectives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Modern Language Association of America

Education plays a crucial role in confined environments, as highlighted by the works of Malcolm X, Angela Y. Davis, and others. It empowers individuals to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems, offering a transformative avenue for personal growth and social change. Courses in reading and writing, particularly for incarcerated students, foster a sense of community, enable introspection, and cultivate hope for a better future. However, incarcerated students often face numerous barriers to pursuing their education, including limited resources, materials, information, and support. Additionally, the availability of training for educators who teach in these contexts is often inadequate.

To address these challenges, this volume aims to provide valuable insights and strategies for both new and experienced instructors. It offers practical guidance on developing courses that are inclusive, engaging, and relevant to incarcerated students. The book also emphasizes the importance of creating supportive learning environments that promote equity and inclusion. Furthermore, it showcases the scholarly and creative work of incarcerated students, providing a platform for their voices to be heard.

The essays in this volume incorporate perspectives from incarcerated and non-incarcerated teachers and students, emphasizing critical prison studies scholarship and abolitionist perspectives. The discussions encompass a range of literary works, including "Live from Death Row" by Mumia Abu-Jamal, "The Purple Flower" by Marita Bonner, "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, "The Taming of the Shrew" and "Othello" by William Shakespeare.

By exploring the role of education in confined environments, this volume contributes to a broader understanding of the transformative power of education and its potential to dismantle systems of oppression. It serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and activists working towards creating more inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781603295901