341. Prison inmates' code (29:30)

Date:
1958
Summary:
In this program, the clandestine system of communication and standards operating in many penal institutions is examined, and illustrated with film clips of inmates passing information to each other without the administration’s knowledge. One inmate describes how the prisoners’ credo is established and maintained. Lohman and Gagnon discuss the “Grapevine,” the verbal contact of prisoners, and explain “kangaroo court,” used by the prisoners to maintain “law and order,” as they see it. Lohman points out that these things must be recognized as existing if administrators are to operate efficiently.

342. Classification and segregation in prisons (29:32)

Date:
1958
Summary:
In this program, film sequences illustrate the steps in the prison separation and analysis technique, and an inmate tells of his experience with the classification system. Criminologist Joseph D. Lohman outlines the basic and conflicting ideas which underlie imprisonment, punishment and rehabilitation. Powers and Lohman emphasize the need for professional personnel to implement the classification of prisoners and the importance of setting up programs to meet their individual needs.

343. Public myths about prisons (29:39)

Date:
1958
Summary:
In this program, criminologist Joseph D. Lohman contrasts the public’s attitude and desires for penal institutions with the current knowledge of the social sciences. With Kenyon Scudder, he explains the facts which would disprove existing myths, such as “The way to deal with prisoners is to treat them rough” and “Anybody can run a prison.” Film clips illustrate the unreasonable penal practices that are a product of these myths. An Interviewed prisoner brings out his experiences under such systems.

344. Maximum vs. minimum security in prisons (29:35)

Date:
1958
Summary:
In this program, criminologist Joseph D. Lohman describes maximum security as the single most important characteristic of the American prison. He relates the consequences of excess security on inmates. Filmed scenes provide the setting of maximum security and an inmate describes the routine in such institutions. Lohman and Alexander discuss the need for diversity in staff and security which would alleviate many of the pitfalls of an inflexible system.

345. The county jail : introduction to crime (29:43)

Date:
1958
Summary:
In this program, the history, role and current status of county jails is explored. An interview with a Cook County Jail inmate brings out the prisoner’s experience there and in similar jails. The county jail facilities are explored. Mattick and Lohman discuss the county jail population and emphasize the idea that the criminal education process occurring in jails often leads the minor offender on to a path of further crime. This system’s effects on the community-at-large and indicated improvements are described.

346. The prison population (29:41)

Date:
1958
Summary:
In this program, an inmate describes fellow prisoners whom he has known and tells of the prisoners’ caste system, based on the inmates’ offenses. Criminologist Joseph D. Lohman discusses the prison community and shows films of the variety of prisoners within it. Mattick introduces statistics, comparing the educational level of inmates with that of the population in general. He also classifies the prison population by offense committed. With Lohman, he shows that the diversity of inmates proves the need for varied institutions to assist them effectively in rehabilitating.

347. Dialects (29:54)

Date:
1958
Summary:
In this episode, Dr. Smith, Jr.,explains and demonstrates dialect differences in standard English. He calls upon five guests from different geographical areas in the United States who illustrate pronunciation differences. The film illustrates how language variations are divided into geographical areas.

348. What is language? (28:48)

Date:
1958
Summary:
Defines language as a series of self-contained systems. Shows how words have different meanings within linguistic systems. Provides illustrations of linguistic subsystems. Points out the hazard of "premature presumption of understanding.

349. Hiding behind the dictionary (28:45)

Date:
1958
Summary:
Discusses and illustrates how dictionaries are prepared. Explains how the meanings of words are learned without using the dictionary. Provides examples of how words are inferred from both physical and verbal contexts. Points out that a writer of a dictionary is a historian, not a lawgiver. Stresses the importance of being sensitive to language changes. (KQED) Kinescope.

350. Where is the meaning? (28:59)

Date:
1958
Summary:
Explains where the true meaning of words is found. Points out that meaning is in the nervous system of the speaker and listener, not in the words themselves. Discusses four basic conditions of meaningfulness. Features Dr. S. I. Hayakawa of San Francisco State College.