Geology Documentary Questionnaire

GEOLOGICAL DOCUMENTARY QUESTIONNAIRE Choose one of the following documentaries and use it to answer the questions included on this document. Possible documentaries:  Planet Oil (2015)  Blood in the Mobile (2010)  The 4 th Revolution: Energy Autonomy (2010)  Sand Wars (2013)  Dirty Business: 'Clean Coal' (2010)  Gasland (2010) Part A. General Questions Regarding the Documentary 1. What documentary did you watch? Gasland (2010) 2. Who produced this film? The film was directed by Josh Fox. 3. Provide a brief overview of the documentary Gasland explores the consequences of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for natural gas, focusing on communities impacted by water contamination attributed to this drilling process. 4. What is the specific topic, problem, and/or concern covered and reported on in this film? Provide some detail about the specific topic, problem, and/or concern highlighted in the documentary. The main topic is the environmental and health impacts of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas extraction in the United States. Specific concerns covered include water contamination, air pollution, and health effects on residents near fracking sites. 5. Is the issue or problem presented in this documentary (1) local, (2) statewide, (3) regional, (4) national, or (5) global in scope? It may be more than one. The issues are statewide for Pennsylvania, national in scope across the US, and have global implications as fracking spreads globally. 6. Identify your opinion, position, concern, and/or interest in this documentary in a well-written paragraph or two. I find this topic concerning as a citizen and environmentalist. Extracting fossil fuels has clear trade-offs and externalities that are often underestimated. We need full transparency on the environmental and health costs of fracking to make wise policy decisions. Part B. Critical Thinking Questions Regarding the Documentary For each of the following questions provide a thoughtful response in a well-written paragraph or two. 1. Truth - The first step is to recognize that multiple truths exist in documentary. Truths are constructs built of carefully arranged information.  What truths are presented in the documentary?

 How are these truths presented?  What information does it put forward?  What information is left out? The main truth presented is that hydraulic fracturing poses severe threats to water quality for communities near these drill sites. This truth is constructed through first-hand accounts, scientific experts, and visual evidence of contaminated water. Key information on the chemicals used in fracking and their health effects is left out. 2. Point of View - The second step is to recognize that all documentaries are biased. The word "bias" is equated with prejudice and information that is slanted in a particular direction. The connotation here is that the information is tainted in a negative way, much the same way the word "propaganda" has taken on connotations of having evil intentions behind it. Another term that might be more useful here is "point of view."  From what point of view is the documentary speaking? What perspective is it offering on events and arguments?  Can you relate to this viewpoint or at least understand where it's coming from?  Are there multiple viewpoints? Do they agree or contradict each other? Does one come across as more "right" while the other seems more "wrong?"  Can you think of some other perspectives that might be out there but not addressed in the documentary?  What is the tone of or emotion behind the(se) viewpoint(s)? The documentary's point of view is decidedly anti-fracking. It aims to show the downsides and dangers of this drilling process. The perspective is one-sided, focusing on victims and not hearing from the gas companies. Another perspective missing is people who benefit economically from fracking. The tone conveys anger and urgency. 3. Voices  Who are the dominant voices in the documentary? Are they official sources such as government representatives, or are they experts of another kind? Or are they people from the street?  Are most of the voices men or women? Are they of a particular ethnic group?  What is their connection to the documentary's subject? What kinds of truths are they putting forward?  Do the voices agree with or contradict each other? The main voices are residents affected by contaminated water, scientists, and environmental advocates. Key voices missing are representatives from the natural gas industry. The voices largely reinforce the anti-fracking viewpoint. 4. Maker/Producer  Is the documentary maker present within the piece either in person or in voice? Or is the maker absent?  If present, does the maker call attention to him or herself? Or, does the maker's presence seem incidental?  What purpose does the maker's presence serve? Does the maker drive events, serve as another observer, or fulfill another function?  What is the maker's reputation outside this documentary? How does that reputation affect your viewing of it?

Reference Fox, J. (2014). Gasland . M. Sanchez (Ed.). Docuramafilms.