Manipulation Through the Arts: Propaganda During the Cold War
In this 5 week online course, students will learn about how propaganda was used in the Cold War, specifically through the use of the arts: visual art, film, television, and music.
Meghan LeRoux, Ed.S.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(37)
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 35 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Learners will be taught an overview of the Cold War before jumping into the definition and examples of propaganda before getting into the specifics of Cold War propaganda. The topics every week will be as follows: Week 1: What was the Cold War? What is propaganda? We will also discuss the propaganda tactics of both the USSR and the USA. This will be done through lecture/notes. Week 2: Propaganda Posters of the Cold War. Students will be taught how to analyze posters as primary sources and they will then analyze the meaning behind the posters of the USSR and the USA. We will also discuss if the posters worked to influence the citizens of the respective countries. Week 3: Film & TV as Propaganda during the Cold War. We will watch clips from various movies (using YouTube; pre-watched by teacher to make sure they are appropriate) created during the Cold War and analyze them as primary sources. We will mostly focus on films created within the USA and compare the film clips with the tactics the US used in their propaganda to evaluate the success of the propaganda. Week 4: Music as Propaganda during the Cold War. Students will choose from a list of songs written, produced, and played on the radio during the Cold War. They will analyze the lyrics of the song and find connections to the Cold War and evaluate what message the song was trying to get across to the listener. Students will then share their song and analysis with the class. Week 5: Wrap-Up Class: Students will create their own Cold War propaganda using either the visual arts, television, music, or an idea of their choosing. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary, although some knowledge of modern US history would be helpful.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to explain the role of propaganda as a tool of government control and evaluate the efficiency of propaganda.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Since we're discussing the Cold War, video clips containing the atomic bomb and its aftermath will be viewed.
As far as the propaganda, multiple perspectives will be discussed and the teachers own personal beliefs/feelings will never be shared or discussed with the students. Students will also be taught the expectations/etiquette of how to agree/disagree with one's peers without being disrespectful. Students that are disrespectful will be asked to stop first, if the behavior continues the student will be put into the waiting room and parents will be contacted after class. Student will get a chance to come back for the next class, but if the behavior continues the student will be removed from the class permanently.
Supply List
Teacher will provide all source materials. The student has the option of choosing a project requiring access to technology that can create TV ads/short films. If the students chooses that option, access to editing software would be ideal.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
5.0
37reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hi there! My name is Meghan LeRoux. I am a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in History-Secondary Education, Minor in Music, the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a MA in Curriculum & Instruction with a Urban Education/Social Studies emphasis, and an Ed.S. in Educational Administration through the University of Northern Colorado. I am a certified 5th through 12th grade Social Studies teacher. I have been trained to teach Advanced Placement U.S. History as well as International Baccalaureate MYP Individuals & Societies classes.
I currently teach IB MYP 7th & 8th grade World History and U.S. History in Colorado Springs, CO. I have 12 years experience teaching all grades K through 12th. I have taught classes such as Music, Social Studies, Newsletter, Life Skills, and even religion, in Catholic, urban public charter, and urban public schools. My experience also includes giving flute and piano lessons to students in K-8th grade. As a K-12 teacher I have had extensive experience writing Social Studies curriculum for individual schools and school districts. This includes making sure that the curriculum was aligned through grades K-12 to ensure that all standards were met. I also have had students compete in the National History Day competition since 2008, in which I have had several students make it to the State level.
My philosophy behind teaching is that every student deserves an equitable education that pushes them to succeed. I also believe that students should have a say in their education since they are the main stakeholder. Students should be met where they are academically, asked of their goals, and then devise a plan with the teacher to help the student reach those goals and feel successful. Academic honesty is something that is very important to me and I believe that students need to struggle in order to grow. My classes are never easy, but they are always fun. I want my students to know that I care about them and I want them to feel comfortable with myself and their peers. I want learners to feel empowered, think critically, and realize that they can make a difference in the world around them.
Personally speaking, I am married to an Army veteran and we have two sons. Although history and education are my passions, I also really enjoy watching and playing baseball/softball. Music is also a passion of mine and I try to infuse it in everything I do. I am an amateur baker and have been playing around with making gluten-free and lactose-free baked goods. I love reading, especially history, education, and anti-racist literature although I'm trying to branch out into other genres; I'm always trying to learn more and grow. I am trying to learn and practice hand lettering because it's pretty and makes me happy. I also love travelling.Reviews
Live Group Class
$75
for 5 classes1x per week, 5 weeks
55 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
3-6 learners per class
