Objective:
To be proactive in the realms of diversity and inclusion, students need to immerse themselves in the diverse
histories and experiences of marginalized communities. Documentaries, as opposed to movies, provide a
factual and often firsthand perspective on real-world issues. This assignment encourages students to engage
with these documentaries that spotlight communities that have historically faced prejudice or discrimination in
American society.
Description:
Students will select and analyze a documentary (not a movie). The chosen documentary should focus on a
group or topic that deepens the team’s understanding of specific communities grappling with prejudice or
discrimination.
Assignment Requirements:
1. Selection:
Choose one of the below documentaries:
“13th” – A deep dive into the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the U.S.
“Miss Representation” – Investigates how media’s misrepresentations of women contribute to
the underrepresentation of women in power positions.
“Crip Camp” – A look at the birth of the disability rights movement in the U.S.
“Mercury 13” – Chronicles the stories of the 13 women who underwent the same testing as NASA’s Mercury 7 astronauts in the early 1960s but never went to space.
“The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson” – Investigates the mysterious death of black gay rights activist and Stonewall veteran, Marsha P. Johnson.
“He Named Me Malala” – Charts the story of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl shot by the Taliban for speaking out on behalf of girls’ education.
“Latino Americans” – A six-hour series detailing the rich and varied history of Latinos in the United States.
“Reel Injun” – Explores the portrayal of Native Americans in film, offering insights into how these cinematic myths influenced the world’s understanding of indigenous peoples.
2. Presentation:
Develop a comprehensive 10-minute presentation to educate others about the documentary’s insights and your reflections. You will record your presentation on power point or zoom. Your presentation must have slides and audio.
3. Grading:
The presentation will be evaluated on the following:
Summary of the Documentary (30%): Offer a detailed overview of the main themes, narratives,
and vital points.
Personal Reactions (30%): Share your impressions of the documentary, pinpointing notable
moments or elements.
Reflection on Perspectives (30%): Describe how the documentary influenced, modified, or
validated your previously held views on the subject.
Grammar and Clarity (10%): Ensure your presentation is articulate, organized, and grammatically accurate.
Presentation Guidelines:
Maintain the 10-minute time limit.
Incorporate visuals, clips, or other relevant multimedia to support key points (remembering copyright laws).
Engage with your audience using reflective questions or presenting impactful quotes from the documentary.
