Peer Review

Frontline: Locked up in America- Solitary Nation & Prison State

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Overview:: This is a two film series from Frontline. The first film, Solitary Nation, looks at the growing use of solitary confinement in prisons. The second film, Prison State, explores mass incarceration and some of the results from this practice. The film webpage contains the latest news on these issues and also includes interviews of people of importance in this field. This collection gives students a chance to explore issues related to corrections. Although the topics covered are considered controversial by some, reviewing the material is an important exercise in critically thinking about corrections and the criminal justice system overall.
Type of Material:: Collection.
Recommended Uses:: Class and homework would be most appropriate.
Technical Requirements:: Webpage streaming video capabilities.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: This collection gives students a chance to explore issues related to corrections. it shows the dehumanizing effects of life in prison. It is both a piece to show the system as it exists and, by implication, why it should be changed.
Target Student Population:: College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Streaming capabilities.

Rating:
Strengths:: This material offers an opportunity to add a visual to issues related to our criminal justic system. Adding films to coursework can have a powerful impact on student learning. As in all Frontline features, an excellent presentation - professionally crafted and of highest quality.
Concerns:: This material was first aired in 2014. An instructor may want to check for more recent material.

Rating:
Strengths:: Films can offer a powerful learning pedagogy by appealing to the emotional aspects of learning. Good overview of prison life.
Concerns:: Often students are unable to translate films/documentaries into relevant course concepts. For some students, it may be necessary to help them interpret the film from a sociological perspective. Like all documentaries it focuses on individuals and only gives cursory service to the broader patterns that lead up to this situation.

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Strengths:

Easy to watch. High quality

Concerns:

When I was taken to the site, it only brought up the episode - Solitary Nation. I had to search for the second episode -- Prison State.

Other Issues and Comments:: The website lists other Frontline episodes related to the topic of corrections. It also provides the transcripts of episode that make the material more accessible.
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