Over the years; American colleges and universities have made various efforts to provide prisoners with access to education. However; few of these outreach programs presume that incarcerated men and women can rise to the challenge of a truly rigorous college curriculum. The Bard Prison Initiative is different.College in Prison chronicles how; since 2001; Bard College has provided hundreds of incarcerated men and women across the country access to a high-quality liberal arts education. Earning degrees in subjects ranging from Mandarin to advanced mathematics; graduates have; upon release; gone on to rewarding careers and elite graduate and professional programs. Yet this is more than just a story of exceptional individuals triumphing against the odds. It is a study in how the liberal arts can alter the landscape of some of our most important public institutions giving people from all walks of life a chance to enrich their minds and expand their opportunities. Drawing on fifteen years of experience as a director of and teacher within the Bard Prison Initiative; Daniel Karpowitz tells the story of BPI’s development from a small pilot project to a nationwide network. At the same time; he recounts dramatic scenes from in and around college-in-prison classrooms pinpointing the contested meanings that emerge in moments of highly-charged reading; writing; and public speaking. Through examining the transformative encounter between two characteristically American institutions—the undergraduate college and the modern penitentiary—College in Prison makes a powerful case for why liberal arts education is still vital to the future of democracy in the United States.
#1885442 in Books Westview Press 1994-11-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .68 x 6.00l; 1.01 #File Name: 0813384761294 pages
Review
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Valiant EffortBy A CustomerI had Dr Milani two semesters ago for an International Politics class. I found him to be a rather open minded professor; but in this book he presents a rather one sided argument. Still; for those not familiar with the Islamic Revolution this book may be helpful. I would recommend reading other sources for further information and formulating your own opinions.6 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Methodical. Analytical. Many Sources Uncited Elsewhere.By Dev NullDr. Milani's treatment is methodical; deeply analytical and cites many sources which have not been referenced in other books in English. While Keddie's 'Roots of Revolution' reaches similar conclusions wrt 1977-79; and Kamrava's 'Revolution In Iran' stands as a distinct analysis; neither dissects the events of this period and documents it to the extent done in this book. I am yet to find a more informative book.3 of 9 people found the following review helpful. A MODEST ATTEMPTBy A CustomerThe book was somewhat dry; yet it was informative. Although on the surface the author tried to remain unbiased; it was evident that he was pro-khomeini. There was no mention of the 1000's of people murdered under his authority; especially that of the Bahai's who lived in Iran. Yet the Shah was portrayed as an oppressive ruler who had no regard for his people. Without knowing the actual history of Iran and that of the revolution; this book would be hard to follow.
