BACKGROUND: While studying the Holocaust unit and reading a dramatization of the Diary of Anne Frank, students have become familiar with the concept and uses of propaganda.

Propaganda Definition: "Any technique, whether in writing, speech, music, film or other means, that attempts to influence or persuade  the public opinion."

Types of propaganda : hidden messages, bandwagon, fear, humor, sex appeal, gimmick, testimonial, transfer, repetition, lies, name-calling, symbols, just plain folks, symbolism, glitter, cute kids, heart strings

"Did you know that the average American is bombarded by over 500 selling messages (advertisements and commercials) per day? That amounts to over 182,500 selling messages per year. How do we handle all these messages? How do we separate fact from fiction, information from emotion? One way to come to grips with all of these messages is to understand the devices and techniques that advertisers use to persuade us to buy their products... propaganda."

PROCEDURE:

1. Become acquainted with the use of propaganda today and in the past by studying the Holocaust.

    What is the purpose of the propaganda?
    Who is the target or audience?
    What techniques are being used?

2. Visit these web sites to learn more:

3. Find examples and images of propaganda used today in advertising, medicine, education,  and/or politics today. Find examples and images of propaganda utilized  during WWII and the Holocaust.

Label each example with this information:
    Purpose?
    Target?
    Techniques?

4. Find examples and images of propaganda utilized  during WWII and the Holocaust.

Label each example with this information:
    Purpose?
    Target?
    Techniques?

5. EXPLAIN what you learned about propaganda by analyzing your examples.   You can create a word document , a slide show, a small booklet, or a small poster to show what you've learned.

    A. Introduction - What is propaganda and why is it important to recognize examples of it in your daily life?

    B. Explain how propaganda is being used today.  Analyze  your examples and discuss the purposes, targets, and techniques used.

    C.  Explain how propaganda was used during the time of WWII. Analyze your examples and discuss the purposes, targets, and techniques used.

    D. Closing comments about propaganda (advice? suggestions? new learning?)
 

RUBRIC FOR ASSESSMENT:

Explain =  tell the “how” and “why”; make known in detail

Analyze = to examine closely; to break down into parts in order to better understand

Discuss = give a complete and detailed answer; show a deep understanding of the subject

EXAMPLES of propaganda (speech & posters) from Nazi Germany...

Background: German children finished their compulsory schooling at fourteen. They then either continued their education, or took up a trade. This is a translation of a booklet given to children as they finished their required schooling. It provides a summary of Nazi ideology, encouraging readers to marry and have a lot of children, and predicts that they will have great responsibilities as members of the country that will rule Europe. The source: Reichsleitung der NSDAP, Hauptamt für Erzieher (NSLB)

"All that matters is propaganda.”- Adolf Hitler

"German Boys and Girls!"

"The future of the people is its children — which is you. We thought about you as fought, risking life and health and all we had to help the swastika to victory. You will be spared what the German people had to experience before 1933. The fatherland's age of distress is past. The machines are running again, the chimneys are smoking. There is work and food. People are happy again and have found new faith. And all are working in the same direction. The people make up a great community, tied together a million-fold by common blood, and faces its future with heads held high. You are our young team. You will take the storm flags from our hands and carry them into a happier future. The doors of school are closing behind you. It has prepared you well. Be glad that the present day demands accomplishment and diligence of you. We Germans will not allow ourselves to be surpassed by any other people in the world. Join the ranks of creative Germans, build the new Reich, and be loyal to your last breath."

propaganda assessment
 

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