What makes certain punishments “barbaric”, “cruel”, or “inhumane”? And why are other penal rituals considered more “civilised”, “humane”, or “dignified” than others? Can we identify a clear and consistent set of criteria for these distinctions, and are these criteria truly legitimate? Throughout this interdisciplinary course, students will be invited to think critically about these and related questions by examining the legal, philosophical, sociological, anthropological and historical literature on punishment and penal sanctions in different historical periods and societies. The course aims to draw on various references from contexts such as Germany, the United States, France, and Japan. To enrich the learning experience, we also aim to include group excursions to Berlin’s significant historical sites and contemporary prisons to provide students with first-hand insights into both the modern penal system and its historical development. In addition, students are welcome to suggest potential sites for visits, which may be considered if feasible.
- Course owner: Sajjad Safaei