Please note:  I am a big believer in tailoring a class to your learners specific needs.  If you need more time on assignments or an assignment needs to be adjusted please let me know.

 During this class students will:

  1. Learn about the many definitions of propaganda.
  2. Learn Learn about close to 50 types of propaganda, by identifying, defining, analyzing, and gathering evidence for discussions. 
  3.  Understand where to find propaganda. 
  4.  Analyze texts to identify different types of propaganda techniques.
  5.  Identify and explain the goal of propaganda techniques used in a work of literature and an example of non-print media.
  6.  Compare, contrast and discuss examples of propaganda techniques used in a work of literature and visual media.
  7.  Identify and gather evidence from primary and secondary sources.
  8.  Use visual literacy skills to analyze, interpret, and explain non-print media.
  9.  Participate in written class exercises, discussions, gather information, and write persuasive essay that synthesizes information  
       from their explorations of propaganda.
10.  Optional Reading: Propaganda: Understanding the Power of Persuasion Teen Issues series, Enslow Publishers
ISN 0-7660-1664-1 Copyright 2002 

Norm Chomsky's Media Control:  The Spectacular Achievements of Propaganda (Open Media Series) 1 hour on Audible.
https://www.amazon.com/Media-Control-Spectacular-Achievements-Propaganda-ebook/dp/B00541YJPM/ref=pd_sim_sccl_3/147-5288051-2335814?pd_rd_w=jXIgw&pf_rd_p=8760d041-1fd3-4319-a0fc-a8e6256063c1&pf_rd_r=VTXG1ZYFPKTXY6F8QKK4&pd_rd_r=06c3a81a-e7a8-4c27-87a1-81bdcbe8ab61&pd_rd_wg=eRgQQ&pd_rd_i=B00541YJPM&psc=1

 This class can lead to discussions about genocide, the Holocaust, race, war, demonizing and more. Teacher will closely regulate all topics but allow students to voice opinions as long as they are respectful.    

I am a retired Professor (Criminal Justice/Sociology) and High School teacher.  I am also a practicing attorney in New York State.  I taught Advanced Placement US Government, Advanced Placement Comparative Government and traditional High School Government for over ten years.  I have taught many students on Outschool my Propaganda 101 class which has a 5-star review.
 I know it is important to introduce a fact based, non-biased lesson to students that will foster discussions with their family.  For twenty years I have had the opportunity to work with students from Pre-K through Graduate School in both a traditional learning atmosphere and those classes that deviate from neurotypical teaching.  I held my teaching certification in World History/US History/Government and Economics for Middle and High School.   My teaching philosophy is that all students are individuals and unique learners that must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I will provide a safe environment where students are invited to share their ideas and where mistakes are considered education victories.
     While incorporating the eight learning styles into each class, I believe that there are five essential elements that are conducive to learning. (1) The teacher's role is to act as a guide. (2) Students must have access to hands-on activities. (3) Students should be able to have choices and let their curiosity direct their learning. (4) Students need the opportunity to practice skills in a safe environment. (5) Technology must be incorporated into the school day.

Homework Offered
Every week students will fill out their weekly handout (most weeks), find or write about at least 2 examples of our weekly selections and comment on other students' findings. We will discuss postings as a class.  At the mid-point we will begin working on a persuasive essay or propaganda video. 
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Progress reports and Letter Grades are available upon request.  If a student is not participating, I will notify a parent or guardian.
Grades Offered

There are several high school books on Amazon that are dedicated to the study of propaganda.  Many have political leanings.  I am not going to require a book but do recommend you consider picking one up as a source and supplement to the class.  If you would like a recommendation, please contact me directly. 

As stated above, I do recommend students read the following text by Noam Chomsky, but it is optional: https://www.amazon.com/Media-Control-Spectacular-Achievements-Propaganda-ebook/dp/B00541YJPM/ref=pd_sim_sccl_3/147-5288051-2335814?pd_rd_w=jXIgw&pf_rd_p=8760d041-1fd3-4319-a0fc-a8e6256063c1&pf_rd_r=VTXG1ZYFPKTXY6F8QKK4&pd_rd_r=06c3a81a-e7a8-4c27-87a1-81bdcbe8ab61&pd_rd_wg=eRgQQ&pd_rd_i=B00541YJPM&psc=1

Instructor also uses and regularly will quote from:  Propaganda Techniques
Conserva, Henry T., Brand: Author House (also available on Amazon).

Several Videos and Content was found on Mind over Matter:  Contemporary Propaganda

Kony 2012 Case Video
It’s the viral YouTube sensation that rocked the Internet in the spring of 2012. Students will
gain background information about the Kony 2012 case, which exploded on the American scene in
2012, attracting more than 120 million viewers in less than 30 days. Non-profit activist groups have
never before achieved such visibility and success with a viral video.

"The Interview"  Film Trailer
“The Interview” was a controversial Hollywood comedy that featured two lightweight celebrities who
go to North Korea to interview and, with the help of the U.S. government, murder the head of the
country, Kim Jong-Un. In December 2014, when the movie company, Sony, decided to cancel the
release of the film after their company’s computer systems had been hacked, the U.S. government
blamed North Korea for the hacking and urged Sony to release the film.

Board Game Helps Fight Epidemic
America’s propaganda agency, Voice of America, produced a video news release that shows how the
board gaming community is banding together to play a cooperative game about fighting wars against
disease as a way to raise awareness and money to fight the spread of Ebola in Africa.


The Ethics of “Dove Beauty Patch”
This 4-minute Dove commercial which illustrates one of the company’s beauty campaigns, “Beauty
Patch.” This campaign tricked women into thinking that the patch contained a special formula that
would make them feel confident and beautiful; as long as they wore the patch, their confidence and
beauty would shine.

The Ethics of "American Sniper" (Trailer Only)
This film trailer promotes a Warner Brothers film – a true story -- about Chris Kyle, a soldier working in
Iraq for the special forces as a sniper. The film trailer introduces us to the character and encourages us
to identify with the sniper as he considers whether to kill. The film also hints at the contradictions
between the soldier’s life as a sniper and his life back at home, as a husband and father.

Ted Talk:  Inside the bizarre world of internet trolls and propaganda. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ix8JEqCJ1s
How statistics can be misleading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxYrzzy3cq8
Why People fall for misinformation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz6GULbowAk

Video footage and photos of propaganda will be shown in class.