Ken Burns Presents: College Behind Bars: A Film by Lynn Novick and Produced by Sarah Botstein
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Ken Burns Presents: College Behind Bars: A Film by Lynn Novick and Produced by Sarah Botstein

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A documentary from director Lynn Novick
College Behind Bars, a 4-part docuseries, follows a small group of men and women in prison for serious crimes try to earn college degrees. This is a groundbreaking story of incarceration, injustice, race in America and the transformative power of education.
IMDb 8.3/10201956min
Talk Show and VarietySpecial InterestGritty
Talk Show and VarietySpecial InterestGritty
IMDb 8.3/10201956min
Cast: Wesley Caines
TV-14
Season 1
4 episodes

  • 1. Part One: “Nobody ever taught me any of that”

    1. Part One: “Nobody ever taught me any of that”

    Incarcerated men and women at Eastern and Taconic Correctional facilities are admitted to the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI). When classes begin, they discover they must meet the same high standards as students on Bard College main campus.
    Incarcerated men and women at Eastern and Taconic Correctional facilities are admitted to the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI). When classes begin, they discover they must meet the same high standards as students on Bard College main campus.
    TV-14
    56min
    Nov 24, 2019
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  • 2. Part Two: “I’m trying to get home to my family, too”

    2. Part Two: “I’m trying to get home to my family, too”

    Students address the difficult circumstances of their past. The debate team prepares to face the University of Vermont. Some make strides academically, as others are sent to the Special Housing Unit, SHU, jeopardizing their education.
    Students address the difficult circumstances of their past. The debate team prepares to face the University of Vermont. Some make strides academically, as others are sent to the Special Housing Unit, SHU, jeopardizing their education.
    TV-14
    55min
    Nov 24, 2019
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  • 3. Part Three: “Every single word matters”

    3. Part Three: “Every single word matters”

    The debate team faces West Point. Seniors embark on their thesis projects. Rodney and Dyjuan's families visit, while Tamara receives terrible news from home. Shawta reckons with her path to prison and Jule struggles to find work in NYC.
    The debate team faces West Point. Seniors embark on their thesis projects. Rodney and Dyjuan's families visit, while Tamara receives terrible news from home. Shawta reckons with her path to prison and Jule struggles to find work in NYC.
    TV-14
    56min
    Nov 25, 2019
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  • 4. Part Four: “Home is a work in progress”

    4. Part Four: “Home is a work in progress”

    The debate team faces Harvard. Seniors complete their 100-paged thesis projects. Giovannie is sent to the Special Housing Unit (SHU) and might not finish his project. Students at Taconic and Eatern receive their degrees at graduation.
    The debate team faces Harvard. Seniors complete their 100-paged thesis projects. Giovannie is sent to the Special Housing Unit (SHU) and might not finish his project. Students at Taconic and Eatern receive their degrees at graduation.
    TV-14
    56min
    Nov 25, 2019
    Redeem a gift card or promotion code
    • Ken Burns Presents: College Behind Bars: A Film by Lynn Novick and Produced by Sarah Botstein
    Talk Show and VarietySpecial InterestGritty
    IMDb 8.3/10201956min
    College Behind Bars, a 4-part docuseries, follows a small group of men and women in prison for serious crimes try to earn college degrees. This is a groundbreaking story of incarceration, injustice, race in America and the transformative power of education.
    Creators and Cast
    Directors
    Lynn Novick
    Producers
    Ken BurnsLynn NovickSarah BotsteinSalimah El-AminMariah Doran
    Cast
    Wesley Caines
    Studio
    PBS
    Reviews
    1. 5 star
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    2. 4 star
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    3. 3 star
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    4. 2 star
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    5. 1 star
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    Content advisory
    TV-14
    violencesubstance usesmokingfoul languageFlashing lights and strobing patterns might affect photosensitive viewers
    Audio languages
    5.1
    EnglishEnglish Dialogue Boost: MediumEnglish Dialogue Boost: High
    Subtitles
    English [CC]
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