Benjamin Harbert’s (Performing Arts) “Music in U.S. Prisons” course recently received coverage in a WAMU—American University Radio story that aired on August 6th.
Harbert’s course, which covers the intersection of musical traditions with the U.S. criminal justice system, brings Georgetown students and inmates from the D.C. Jail together weekly to produce, study, and discuss music. With the help of a CNDLS Curriculum Enrichment Grant, Harbert provided his Georgetown students with transportation to the D.C. Jail, allowing both groups of learners—Georgetown students and inmates—the opportunity to learn together in a shared space.
Harbert’s course is the only “inside-outside” course included in the recently-launched Prison Scholars Program at Georgetown. This prison education program is a part of the Prisons and Justice Initiative, and aims to bring educational experiences—college courses across Government, Philosophy, English, Music, Journalism, and other disciplines—to incarcerated D.C. citizens. In the past, CNDLS has supported other Prisons and Justice Initiative work, including Marc Howard’s (Government, GU Law) GOVX course.
Georgetown faculty who are interested in adding an out-of-class learning experience to their courses are invited to apply for a Curriculum Enrichment Grant this academic year. Applications are now open! To learn more about additional grant opportunities available to faculty, please visit the grants page on the CNDLS website.