Documentary/ Historical Movie Assignment
Directions and Rationale
Before you return from Christmas break, you need to watch a documentary or a movie that is based on a factual
event/person. Choose something that interests you and something that has some depth. Please avoid
“documentaries” on pop stars (ie, Justin Bieber, One Direction, etc.), and avoid Big Foot, Ancient Aliens, and
any paranormal films. As you watch, you will need to complete the graphic organizer on the back of this sheet.
This completed graphic organizer will be due the day you return (Jan. 6, 7).
The most common college-entrance exam, the SAT, includes a required 25-minute essay response. The essay is
argumentative in nature, and students must provide evidence. Evidence may include details from a book/play,
details and examples from a current event, or details and examples from an event in history. This documentary
assignment will help students begin to broaden their knowledge base for this essay in particular and for
argumentation in general.
Because the prompt on the SAT cannot be known in advance, it is important for students to have a wide range
of reading experience as well as a solid grasp of current and historical events.
Below is a list of possible documentaries and history-based movies to consider as well as a couple of links to
free sites that students can visit and view documentaries for free.
Documentaries and Topic Ideas
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/
http://documentarystorm.com/
Fast Food Nation
Super Size Me
Bowling for Colombine
Searching for Sugar Man
Henry VIII
Queen Elizabeth
Joan of Arc
Salem Witch Trials
Hatfields and the McCoys
WWI
Apartheid
Holocaust
Internment Camps
John F. Kennedy
Watergate
Edward R. Murrow
Blood Diamonds
Nelson Mandela
Martin Luther
Martin Luther King, Jr.
9-11
Desert Storm
Any President
History Channel
Science Channel
Discovery Channel
Historical Films
The King’s Speech
Lincoln
Invictus
Cinderella Man
Soul Surfer
Good Night and Good Luck (Murrow)
Amistad
Schindler’s List
Black Hawk Down
Apollo 13
Hotel Rwanda
The Great Debaters
Freedom Writers
We Are Marshall
The Alamo
Other
Scientific/Medicine Advancements
Penicillin
Chemotherapy
Theory of Relativity
Classical Musicians
Beethoven
Bach
Scientists
Explorers
Engineers
Documentary Assignment
Watch a documentary that explores an event in history, a scientific discovery, a global issue, or a person’s life.
Complete the graphic organizer below to help you note critical components of the film that could be used in an
argumentative essay.
Title, Date, Director
Relevant Thematic Connections
Critical Names, Dates, Places
Summary of information provided about people involved
Major Events
Specific details given
Film Makers’ Purpose
Impact on viewers