The American carceral system is one of the largest in the world. In Episode 5, we examine the history of that system and ask what happens to the human being behind bars. We hear from humanities scholars, legal experts and prisoners, focusing on just solutions that might reduce prison populations and restore the humanity of prisoners while preparing them for life after prison.
Humanities scholars at Penn State reflect on migration, mobility and the ethics of hospitality so as to better understand the context of the debate on immigration and refugees in the US and around the world.
The COVID 19 pandemic has provided a stress test for the American healthcare system. In Rethinking Care, we view healthcare through the lens of the humanities, focusing on ways to repair some of the inequities of the system, and provide better care for healthcare workers and patients alike.
Penn State humanities scholars explore the ongoing quest to achieve the promise of American democracy despite the many past, present and future obstacles to equality and social justice.
