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, creating supportive learning environments, and presenting and publishing incarcerated students' scholarly and creative work, with a focus on critical prison studies scholarship and abolitionist perspectives.

Format: Paperback / softback
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. It also emphasizes the importance of creating supportive learning environments that promote equity and inclusion. Furthermore, the volume showcases and promotes the scholarly and creative work of incarcerated students, providing opportunities for them to express their voices and contribute to the broader discourse.

The essays included in this volume encompass a diverse range of perspectives, drawing from incarcerated and non-incarcerated teachers and students. They center on critical prison studies scholarship and abolitionist perspectives, offering valuable insights into the complexities of incarceration and its impact on individuals and society.

Some of the notable works discussed in this volume include "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. These works serve as powerful examples of the transformative power of education and literature in confined environments.

In conclusion, education in prison is a powerful tool for personal growth, social change, and the dismantling of oppressive systems. This volume provides valuable insights and strategies for instructors who wish to engage and empower incarcerated students. By promoting inclusive, supportive, and transformative learning environments, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781603295918