Download Propaganda - Asotin - Anatone School District

English 10: Persuasion Unit
“The real persuaders are our appetites, our fears and above all our vanity. The skillful propagandist stirs
and coaches these internal persuaders.” Eric Hoffer
When used effectively, persuasion can change the way we view ourselves, our world, and our history.
This is done by keeping an open mind, attending to new information, and acting based on that new
insight. Unfortunately, the ability to persuade can be used for immoral or unjust purposes. History is
rife with examples of people distorting the truth to meet an agenda. Your task is to explore this
concept: Propaganda.
Here are websites to aid in your understanding of this concept:
http://www.hsj.org/modules/lesson_plans/detail.cfm?LessonPlanId=335
http://www.ushmm.org/propaganda/resources/index.html
During your webquest, answer the following questions/prompts:
Be sure to use your own words, thoughts, ideas. DO NOT SIMPLE COPY AND PASTE INFORMATION
FROM THE INTERNET.
1.
Define “propaganda.”
2.
Explain the purpose and dangers of propaganda.
3.
One of the most famous uses of propaganda on a large scale took place during WWII. The Nazis
were infamous for their portrayal and description of Jews. Research their techniques and briefly
provide an overview of their methods.
4.
Find five (5) images like the following and attach them to this
assignment:
Explain how propaganda is used, who the target audience is, and
who/what is being vilified.
5.
In your own words, why it is important to understand propaganda and the methods some use
to persuade others to believe in their agenda? Your response should be 2-3 paragraphs in
length.
Topics for further exploration: research the recent “documentaries” on the “real events” of Sandy Hook
or the conspiracy theories on 9/11. Both have YouTube videos. Your response should focus on the
fallacies of their arguments and how the filmmakers are attempting to persuade their audience.
Please note: you are researching these topics on your own volition, for your own interest, and potential
extra credit. The Asotin-Anatone School District is in no way extolling the virtues or endorsing the claims
made. These topics are used as examples of misrepresenting the facts.