Documentary Analysis Paper
In a course on public policy, it’s critical that students are able to critically examine policy debates and
challenges. In lieu of a traditional research paper, each student is responsible for writing a 1,250 – 1,500
word analysis on one of seven selected PBS Frontline documentaries. These documentaries allow
students the flexibility to choose from a variety of ongoing policy debates in the United States. These
papers are due via Canvas submission by Friday, November 19th, 2021 by 9 am. The options are provided
to you below:
The Healthcare Divide: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/the-healthcare-divide/
• Policy Issue: Inequality and Health Care
Whose Vote Counts: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/whose-vote-counts/
• Policy Issue: Voter Disenfranchisement and Misinformation
The Abortion Divide: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/the-abortion-divide/
• Policy Issue: The Abortion Debate
Poverty, Politics, and Profit: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/poverty-politics-and-profit/
• Policy Issue: Affordable Housing Crisis
Immigration Battle: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/immigration-battle/
• Policy Issue: Immigration in the United States
Gunned Down: The Power of the NRA: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/gunned-down/
• Policy Issue: Gun Politics and the National Rifle Association
Climate of Doubt: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/climate-of-doubt/
• Policy Issue: Climate Change Policy
In writing the documentary analysis paper, be certain to address the following questions:
1. What is the underlying policy problem at hand?
2. What are the legal and legislative aspects relevant to this issue? When was this first regarded as a
policy problem? What organizations / institutions are responsible for addressing the problem?
3. Who are the major policy actors?
4. Which overarching public policy theoretical framework best explains policy action or inaction?
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