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Ken Burns Presents: College Behind Bars - Season 1

Series: Ken Burns Presents: College Behind Bars
4.6
(35)
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Episodes
4
Rating
TV14
Year
2019
Language
English
Publisher
PBS

About

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 educatio

Related Subjects

Episodes

1 to 3 of 4

1. 01-Part One: “Nobody Ever Taught Me Any of

1h

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Incarcerated men and women admitted to the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI) discover when classes begin at Eastern and Taconic Correctional facilities that they must meet the same high standards as students at Bard College main campus. Jule, who earned a BA in 2011, reckons with the crime that led to his incarceration at 17 and after 21 ½ years behind bars, faces the parole board.

2. 02-Part Two: “I’m Trying to Get Home to My

1h

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Sebastian, Dyjuan and Tamara reflect on the difficult circumstances of their past, while the debate team prepares to face the University of Vermont.  Shawnta, Tamika and Tamara make great strides academically, only to discover that BPI keeps raising the bar. Brian and Rodney are accused of breaking rules and are sent to solitary confinement, their education in serious jeopardy. Jule returns home.

3. 03-Part Three: “Every Single Word Matters”

1h

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The debate team faces their rival across the river, West Point. Rodney, Sebastian and Giovannie embark on year-long senior projects. Newly released from federal prison, Dyjuan's younger brother, Kanan, comes for a visit, as does Rodney's sister, Elitha. Tamara receives devastating news from home, and Shawnta reckons with her own path to prison. In New York City, Jule struggles to find work.

Extended Details

  • Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Wesley Cainesactor