Involves a year-long independent research and writing project culminating in a paper of approximately 60-80 pages under the supervision of one reader with expertise in the subject area. Requires permission from the GCS director and advisory board and a proposal approved during the semester before the course is taken.

This course examines the intersecting transformations in the meanings and possibilities of kinship and family life. We will explore crucial interactions between economic and political structures and changing notions of gender, sexuality, caregiving, work patterns, and relationships between family members. Taking an intersectional approach, we will examine families over time and across groups, considering how gender, race/ethnicity, class, and sexuality shape their dynamics.

Considers the prison in political thought. What are the continuities between plantations and prisons? How do prisons coexist with (and perhaps give form and shape to) American democracy? What are the imbrications of race and the carceral sphere? How should we understand the crucial differences between prison reform and abolition? Readings are drawn from the writings of Black incarcerated (or formerly incarcerated) authors. Centering the voices of prisoners is a core value of this course students will read a range of genres, including conventional political theory, poetry, prison newspapers, and other archival documents.

In GENST 395 students apply and deepen (inter)disciplinary and general knowledge through a Capstone. In this primarily asynchronous class students work with their peers, instructor, and a capstone mentor in their discipline to propose, develop, implement, and reflect on their projects. Capstone projects may be research-based, community-based, or creative.