Smith College's Moodle

This interdisciplinary course considers the issue of gender, race, sexuality and class in the juvenile justice system. Drawing on gender and sexuality studies, criminal justice and sociological literature, social critiques, policy papers, case law, documentary film, personal narratives and fiction, the course critically examines the history of the juvenile justice system; what it means to be in "the system"; the role of "justice" in the juvenile system; and reviews some of the major issues faced by the youth who are subject to this system. In addition, the course considers the role of youth action and resistance as interventions against the carceral state.