Preamble:

Many of the TV news documentaries we have seen this semester have been "disturbing" in one way or another. Unlike documentary programs about wildlife or the arts or sports or science, these programs have been about social and political developments in which we, the people of the United States and the world, have a major role and responsibility.

Write:

Referring to specific examples of the programs we have seen and to the political and social times in which they were broadcast, describe what you think is the role such programs play, or should play, in American society. Why were they produced? Why are they disturbing? Whose goals do they meet? Have they been an effective &endash; or an ineffectual &endash; tool in influencing the conduct of our society? How? Why have they succeeded &endash; or failed? Use your own observations of television in the 1990's and 2000's to discuss why such programs are rarely produced or seen today. Where would they fit on TV today? Who would produce them? Who would watch them? Would they be effective? If you were a producer with a vision for TV news documentary, would you find a place for your work? Would you find support?

Seven to ten pages.