In this course, we will investigate the origins and methods of punishment, with particular attention to prisons. We will begin by studying the various goals of punishment: incapacitation, rehabilitation, retribution, restitution, restoration, revenge. We will study the criminal justice system and prison structure in the US and beyond. Emphasis will be placed on past and current case studies of prisons to help students explore issues related to imprisonment including overcrowding, prisoner education, juvenile facilities, violence in prison, impact of drug criminalization, rehabilitation, private prisons, and more.