Asylums: Institutions of Social Control in American History

This program will study the histories of social institutions for controlling, sequestering, punishing, and assimilating people defined as social problems.  We’ll explore sociological, historical and economic perspectives on the emergence and transformation of mental institutions, prisons and jails, boarding schools and internment camps.

Students will earn 8 credits in the social sciences while developing skills in leading discussions, writing and preparing presentations on subjects of interest, and critical analysis of society and its treatment of social problems.