What This Document Is
This document comprises discussion questions related to the documentary “Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and in Wealth,” as used in ENG 298: Writing About Literature at the College of Southern Nevada. It’s designed to prompt critical thinking and analysis of the film’s core themes regarding health disparities.
Why This Document Matters
Students enrolled in ENG 298 will use this guide to prepare for and participate in class discussions about the documentary. It serves as a framework for exploring the social determinants of health and how they are portrayed in the film. It’s typically used after viewing the documentary to facilitate deeper understanding and written analysis.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document provides questions for reflection; it does *not* offer exhaustive answers or a complete summary of the documentary. It’s a starting point for analysis, and students are expected to develop their own informed responses based on their viewing of “Unnatural Causes.” It doesn’t substitute for watching the film itself.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes eight sets of questions covering: identification of key individuals featured in the documentary and the factors impacting their health; the central message(s) of the film; the authors’ framing of sickness (exceptionalist vs. universalist); comparison to other media on the topic; personal reactions to specific scenes; areas for further inquiry; a listing of social determinants of health as presented in the documentary; and an explanation of the social gradient of health. This preview only provides this overview of the document’s contents.
