VAST 1Introduction to Visualizing Abolition Studies
Why has the proliferation of research on prisons—demonstrating economic and racial disparities, as well as negative effects on individuals and communities—not led to more substantial questioning of public policy that treats imprisonment as a major solution to social problems? This course is an interdisciplinary inquiry into the role visual culture plays in the maintenance of the prison industrial complex and an introduction to artistic practices that challenge law and social policy; the course also introduces fundamental concepts to the study of art and visual culture in relation to the movement for prison abolition.
Find a section and add it to your scheduleLive seat counts, time-conflict checks and the walk from your previous class.
When it runs
Fall 2026Open Fall 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 3:20pm–4:55pm | R Carson Acad 240 | R. E. Nelson | Open 60/70 |
Fall 2025Open Fall 2025
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 3:20pm–4:55pm | Porter Acad 144 | R. E. Nelson | Open 54/60 |
Who teaches it
| Instructor | Rating | Difficulty | Would take again | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rachel Nelson | 4.5 / 5 | 2.5 / 5 | 86% | 6 |
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