Along with innovations in technology has come an increase in the methods used to spread propaganda of all kinds. In fact, in reality we all use propaganda of some form every day. Every time we communicate with someone we are doing so in an attempt to elicit a particular response. No one has ever said spread a rumor without trying to convince another person or group of people that the rumor is true. In turn, every time someone voices their opinion and explains why they hold to that opinion some part of them wants to convince the listener that the speaker is correct. This in itself is a form of simple propaganda. Formally, propaganda is known as some method of communication that is trying to convince a person or group of people of some type of idea, belief or information.
This lesson plan has the objective of teaching students what propaganda is and how to recognize it in its various forms. Begin by asking students to look around the room and identify items that are conveying some type of belief or discipline. It does not matter if they agree with the belief or discipline.This exercise is simply to identify propaganda without knowing it is propaganda. The items can include anything in the room that conveys some type of belief or principle. From the "Say No to Drugs" poster to the very textbooks they learn from, there is limitless propaganda everywhere.
Once the students identify the propaganda, discuss with them their views on propaganda. Discuss with the students what the goal of the material is. Define propaganda to the students. Explain how propaganda is used in various formats, but its goal is always to convince someone of something. Discuss the various ways that propaganda is used and how it effects society.
Some points to bring up are various mediums that propaganda uses. Is propaganda always healthy? How does it effect society as a whole? Does the Freedom of Speech Act promote propaganda? How does censorship affect propaganda? So the students think there should be a limit on how propaganda is used? Are there limits already placed on propaganda?
These are all questions that the students can discuss at length. Make sure students do not get distracted by the details of propaganda, such as certain music groups and political leaders. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to identify propaganda and its effect on society. They should be able to give clear examples of propaganda. Most of all, students will begin to understand how propaganda is most effective when disguised as entertainment.
