E4: How To Die In Oregon

NOTE: This is by far the most controversial of our documentaries. Students who are dealing with grief or potential grief are excused from these assignments. The purpose of watching and discussing each documentary is to make students think about how information is used, shared, and manipulated. Beyond these documentaries, how is the information you are taking in being managed (by addition or omission)?

Pre-Watching Questions

• Should terminally ill people have the ability to choose to end their lives early? Explain.
• What is the difference between Euthanasia and Death with Dignity? Explain.
• Why won't other states enact this law? Explain. 

Discussion Questions

• How has your understanding of terminal illnesses, their management and care, changed after watching How to Die in Oregon?
• How has your understanding of the Death With Dignity law changed after watching How to Die in Oregon?
• What impact did the opening scene have? How did it set the tone for the film? Explain.
• How does Cody Curtis' journey affect the viewers? Why do you think she was she the primary subject of the film?
• What elements are similar to the other documentaries?