Abolition 101

Abolition is not just the taking away of things like the police or prisons but rather addressing the root causes that have led to their perceived necessity. 

This ‘Abolition 101’ syllabus is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of abolitionist movements. It explores the abolition of various systems of oppression, including slavery, the prison-industrial complex, and other forms of structural violence.

Through readings, discussions, and multimedia resources, students will gain a deep understanding of the abolitionist perspective and the strategies employed by abolitionist activists.

Objectives:

• To understand the historical context and evolution of abolitionist movements.

• To examine the theoretical frameworks and key concepts underpinning abolitionist thought.

• To analyze the intersections of various forms of oppression, including racism, sexism, and economic inequality.

• To explore the practical strategies and tactics used by abolitionist activists.

• To critically assess the potential for and challenges of achieving abolition in contemporary society.

Introduction to Abolition

• Defining Abolitionism and Its Goals

• Readings: "Are Prisons Obsolete?" by Angela Davis

• Discussion: The historical roots of abolitionist thought

• Embodiment

Historical Abolitionist Movements

• Abolitionist Movements 

• Readings: US history of Slavery 

• Discussion: Comparing historical abolitionist movements

Theoretical Foundations of Abolition

• Abolition and Reparations 

• Readings: Is prison necessary?  by Ruth Wilson Gilmore

• Discussion: Key concepts in abolitionist thought

Intersectionality and Abolition

• Lecture: Intersections of Race, Gender, and Class in Abolition

• Readings: Selections from "Sister Outsider" by Audre Lorde

• Discussion: How different forms of oppression intersect and reinforce each other

The Prison-Industrial Complex

• Understanding the Prison-Industrial Complex

• Readings: "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander 

• Discussion: Analyzing mass incarceration and its impact on communities

Abolitionist Strategies and Practices

• Building Alternatives to Prisons

• Readings: "Are Prisons Obsolete?" by Angela Davis

• Discussion: Strategies such as restorative justice, community-based alternatives, and prison divestment

Abolition in Practice

• Lecture: Case Study of Abolitionist Movements

• View: Abolition is our obligation, Abolition explained & Abolition. Feminism. Now.

• Discussion: Examining current efforts and successes in the abolitionist movement

Challenges and Future Directions

• Obstacles to Abolition 

• Readings: "Golden Gulag" by Ruth Wilson Gilmore

• Discussion: Assessing the feasibility of abolition and envisioning a future without oppression

Additional recommended reading/viewing

Books: 

• Abolition for the people 

• Becoming Abolitionists 

• We do this til we free us 

• Abolition. Feminism. Now.

Videos:

• Making the argument for abolishing police

• From Slave patrols to policing 

• The failed war on drugs 

Articles:

• Police & Discrimination 

• What is abolition and why do we need it?

Movies:

• 13th

• Selma