Teacher Guides by Subject biographies

The Choice 2008
Examine biographies of the presidential candidates and discuss the benefits and limitations of candidate narratives in campaign discourse. (Original airdate: Oct. 14, 2008)

The Choice 2004
These teaching activities are designed to help students become more familiar with the candidates in the 2004 presidential contest and to explore the political cultures that shaped their careers and support their candidacies. (Original airdate: Oct. 12, 2004)

The Choice 2000
Using this dual biography of presidential candidates George W. Bush and Al Gore, students will explore U.S. political history, voter turnout, political parties and the presidential selection process. (Original airdate: Oct. 2, 2000)

The Choice '96
Using this dual biography of presidential candidates Bill Clinton and Bob Dole, students will learn how to prepare for debates, and assess a candidate's fitness for public office. (Original airdate: Oct. 8, 1996)

From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians
With this guide, students will study the history of Christianity and the Roman Empire, what it takes to be a "founder," the nature of oral versus written storytelling, and role of religion in society. (Original airdate: April 6, 1998)

Jefferson's Blood
This film and guide look at Thomas Jefferson's historical legacy in light of revelations about his relationship with his slave, Sally Hemings. Students will explore Jefferson's life and times, and examine his role as philosopher and politician. (Original airdate: May 2, 2000)

The Jesus Factor
Students will explore the intersection of faith and government by examining the First Amendment and the idea of "separation of church and state." (Original Airdate: April 29, 2004)

Karl Rove -- The Architect
Students will use this profile of Karl Rove to explore the intersection of policy and political strategy for the purpose of marketing social security policy to select audiences. (Original airdate: April 12, 2006)

The Long Walk of Nelson Mandela
Students will use this biography of Nelson Mandela to explore issues of leadership, diversity, social justice, and conflict resolution. (Original airdate: May 11, 1999)

The Lost American
This guide uses the life story of humanitarian aid worker Fred Cuny to explore the tradeoffs decision-makers must address when considering U.S. humanitarian involvement. (Original airdate: Oct. 14, 1997)

Much Ado About Something
This film and guide examine the question of whether William Shakespeare was the true author of all his works. Students will explore political and literary ramifications of the authorship question, as well as the nature of Shakespeare's language. (Original airdate: Jan. 2, 2003)

Pope John Paul II: The Millennial Pope
Students will use this biography of Pope John Paul II to study leadership characteristics and the relationships between individuals and institutions. (Original airdate: Sept. 28, 1999)

The Roots of Terror
This teacher's guide uses a series of four documentaries produced by FRONTLINE in the wake of Sept. 11 to explore the roots of terrorism and the complex evolution of U.S. policy and Islamic fundamentalism. Includes exercises related to "Hunting bin Laden," FRONTLINE's 1998 profile of Osama bin Laden.

Who Was Lee Harvey Oswald?
Using this guide, students will explore the character and motivations of President Kennedy's assassin. They will learn about how conspiracy theories are formed by thinking about a country's search for meaning behind a national trauma, and also examining how authors and filmmakers express "truth" using facts and/or fiction.