Documentaries

Epiphany

Broadcast Nationally June 2008

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The world’s great monotheistic faiths share centuries-old traditions, but they are also locked in dangerous rivalries that permeate contemporary thought. Through the stories of three men raised to their religion’s version of the truth, and distrust of the “other”, this program probes that duality and confirms the power of faith to overcome legacies of hostility, illuminating ways that people work beyond hatred and stereotypes.

“After Oil”

Broadcast nationally in 2007

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When we look at all the things that made America what it is, it’s fair to say that for the last hundred years or so America has been shaped, more than anything, by cheap oil. But as people begin telling us that the cheap oil is almost gone the question becomes: Considering the devastation that “Peak Oil” could cause to our lives and lifestyles, can we act before the crisis?

“Shakespeare is a Black Woman: Shakespeare in American Politics”

Broadcast nationally in 2007

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Part of the series “Shakespeare in American Life.” This program explores how Shakespeare’s work has intertwined itself with American electoral politics, geopolitics, and racial, class and academic politics. It also explores how Shakespeare has been used for political purposes throughout American history.

“The Father of the Man In America: Shakespeare in American Civic Life and Education”

Broadcast nationally in 2007

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Part of the series “Shakespeare in American Life.” This program explores the ways in which Shakespeare’s work has saturated American history. After the Revolution, there were serious questions about whether America should adopt British culture and literature or create its own. We look at how Shakespeare finally appears in college lecture halls and high school classes, while making an unexpected appearance in the early annals of American psychiatry. We look at how outdoor Shakespeare became acceptable on the strait-laced Chautauqua Circuit, how Shakespeare influenced Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson, and his role in the experiences of immigrants and in major movements like the push West, the establishment of cities, and the Civil War.Broadcast

“Shakespeare Becomes American: Shakespeare in Performance”

Broadcast nationally in 2007

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Part of the series “Shakespeare in American Life.” From the very beginning, Americans have sought to make Shakespeare an honorary citizen. Whether we have succeeded in that or not, one thing is clear; on the stage, within the realm of performance Americans have certainly made Shakespeare our own, bringing to the performance of Shakespeare American passion, American language and American innovation.

“The Public Green and the Poor”

Broadcast nationally in January 2006
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There have been many times in American history when reformers have sought to help the poor by putting them amidst nature in the belief that physical beauty can make beautiful people. It seems like an odd idea. But Thomas Jefferson believed it fervently, it’s also the reason Central Park exists in New York and the town of Greenbelt exists in Maryland. This program looks at times in our past when nature was used to uplift the poor.

“Gut Reaction” (Half-hour version)

Broadcast nationally in December 2005
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This is a half-hour version of “Gut Reaction” with additional material and more personal stories from the lives of people with Celiac Disease. Doctors now believe that 1-in-133 Americans have Celiac Disease, though only 1-in-4,700 gets diagnosed. Celiac is more common than diabetes and hypertension, but because the means to diagnose it are only 2 or 3 years old, the disease is practically unknown in this country — both to sufferers and their doctors.

“My God”

Broadcast nationally in May 2005
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We follow three 12-year olds, a Muslim boy, an Orthodox Jewish boy and an evangelical Christian girl at home and at school where they, their parents and teachers talk about their understanding of their faith and their relationship with God.

“Teaching: The Next Generation”

Broadcast nationally in February 2005
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In conversations about the use of technology in schools, you’ll often hear: Once we have a cadre of young teachers and administrators who’ve grown up with technology, computer use in schools will take off. This program examines that premise by following a young teacher, Brian Mason (7th grade American History) as he begins his second year in the classroom.

“Gut Reaction” (Full-hour Version)

Broadcast nationally throughout 2004 & 2005
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There is a disease you’ve probably never heard of, but chances are you have it or someone you know or love has it and doesn’t know. Doctors now believe that 1-in-133 Americans have Celiac Disease, though only 1-in-4,700 gets diagnosed. Celiac is more common than diabetes and hypertension, but because the means to diagnose it are only 2 or 3 years old, the disease is practically unknown in this country — both to sufferers and their doctors.