Mormon Documentary Activity: Frontline

Student_________________________ Period________  Score ______/200
Introduction:
This activity involves watching and reflecting upon the predominant religion in Orem.  The intention of this activity is not to attract non-Mormons to investigate or convert to the LDS Church nor to stir doubt in its members. It is intended to be a spring board into the study of the world's five major religious traditions: Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam.  True objectivity is not possible and would probably be very dry and sterile so these documentaries include a variety of perspectives. It is STRONGLY SUGGESTED that parents/guardians view them together with the students.  In fact, students can double the amount of points they receive for watching the movies (an additional 100 points extra credit) by having their parent/guardian fill out the Parent/Guardian-Response-and-Confirmation portion of this sheet.

Tasks:
A. Procure (get) one or more sheets of lined notebook paper on which you will be taking Positive-Interesting-Negative (PIN) notes.  These notes will be stapled to this sheet and will be used to help you answer the items below. 
B. Go to the website: http://www.pbs.org/mormons/view/  and watch both episodes of the Frontline documentary on Mormonism, jotting down your own positive, interesting and negative reactions to specific things portrayed in the movies. You can view the videos at one sitting or just watch parts of them over the course of a week or so. 
C. Respond to the following items (1-5) as neatly and completely as you can. You will be evaluated on the thought and detail of your responses.  Refer to your PIN notes and any additional research you may need to do as you respond and then staple your notes to this sheet. You may go to Mr. Willey's website, download this sheet  and type up your responses on the soft copy before printing it  OR just type up your responses on another sheet and attach it along with your PIN notes to this sheet. 
D. Read and sign the section that affirms that you did indeed watch both episodes.

Response Items:
1) How many sittings (times) did it take you watch both episodes? (5 extra-credit points)

2) When and Where? Explain what was going on when and where Mormonism began? Why did it begin where it did? What were the physical and cultural characteristics in the early 19th century that made upstate New York a logical place for such a religion to begin? Describe and Explain. (20 points)

3) Positives. What are the most positive aspects of Mormonism as portrayed in the movies? Do these "positives" apply only to members of the LDS faith or do they have positive affects (benefits) on society at large, the rest of the world? Why or why not?  EXPLAIN and GIVE EXAMPLES. (30 points)

4) Surprises? Identify information and facts of which you were unaware before you viewed the films.  Do you believe they were portrayed accurately? Did these "surprises" reinforce (strengthen) your previous perceptions or prejudices about Mormonism? Why? How? Explain (20 points)

5) Predict. What role, if any, will the LDS Church and its members play in the future of Orem, the United States and in the world?  Make some predictions about the LDS Church's future based on what you already knew about Mormonism and what you observed in the movies. Further research may be required. Is Mormonism  an Ethnic or Universalizing religion or both? Explain. Will it  (the LDS Church) continue to grow in membership, stay about the same or decrease? Why? (30 points)

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Confirmation (100 points):

I ________________________(Student's Name PRINTED)  confirm that I have watched both Frontline programs (parts 1 and 2).

__________________________ (Student Signature)

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Parent/Guardian  Response and Confirmation (100 points extra credit):

Observations, Comments and Suggestions:

I _______________________(Guardian's Name Printed) confirm that I have watched both Frontline programs with my student.

________________________(Guardian Signature)