300850 Lived Experiences of Trans People in Prison Systems (S) (WiSe 2024/2025)

This course will begin with theoretical explorations of the complex constitution of the subject of the "prisoner" as introduced by Foucault, emphasising how control and punishment shape identities and experiences within the prison system. We'll also engage with Erving Goffman's concept of the total institution, examining its functions and impacts on the assimilation of imprisoned people, with a particular focus on those who are trans.

Our discussions will sit at the intersection of trans studies— an interdisciplinary field established in the 1990s that addresses issues relevant to trans communities —and critical prison studies, which critiques the penal system and its broader societal implications, advocating for transformative justice.

Central to our seminar is a commitment to understanding the lived experiences of incarcerated people, especially trans people, who face disproportionately large amounts of violence compared to cisgender people. Given the sensitive nature of these topics, students should be prepared for content that may be emotionally challenging at times.

Students will have the opportunity to bring forth their own interests and integrate them into their coursework (Studienleistung). Two sessions will be dedicated to self-directed or group study, with different options for course work to choose from. While there are overarching objectives for the course, this flexibility allows each student to define their own seminar goals early in the term with the assistance of both myself and their peers. This ensures that their coursework choices align with their personal objectives.

Bibliography

Michel Foucault, Erving Goffman, Stanley & Smith, Angela Davis, Dean Spade, Jenness & Sexton, etc.