Download World War I

World War I: Propaganda Poster Analysis
TASK
World War I propaganda posters proved to be a highly successful mass communication medium
because of the powerful, emotional and persuasive affect on its audience. Using the “Seven
Tricks of Propaganda”, students will use critical thinking skills to examine, interpret and analyze
various World War I propaganda posters.
MATERIALS / RESOURCES
 Spotlight Canada: pages 112 and 114
 WWI Scrapbooks
 www.vac-acc.gc.ca
 www.thememoryproject.com
 www.firstworldwar.com/posters
 www.worldwar1.com/posters.htm
 http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/warposters/intro.htm
 http://wps.ablongman.com/long_alfano_envision_1/0,9688,1637065-content,00.html
PART 1: IDENTIFYING PROPAGANDA
1. Define propaganda, advertising and bias. What are the similarities and differences
between these mediums?
2. Read and discuss the worksheet: Seven Tricks of Propaganda & Techniques for Poster
Design. Describe 3 examples of “tricks” that are used in media today.
3. Which “trick(s)” do you feel is (are) most frequently used in propaganda? Why?
PART 2: CLASS ACTIVITY- POSTER CRITIQUE
Examine a variety of propaganda posters from above resources. For selected posters, recreate
and complete the following chart:
Poster Name /
Type
Specific
Characters/
Symbols
“Propaganda
Tricks” Used
Message of
Poster
Is the poster
effective?
Explain.
PART 3: POSTER ANALYSIS
1. Go to the following websites from the following list: www.thememoryproject.com ,
www.firstworldwar.com/posters , http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/warposters/intro.htm .
www.worldwar1.com/posters.htm, www.vac-acc.gc.ca
2. From these websites, select TWO WWI propaganda posters (that were not examined in class)
and in a minimum 100 word TYPED paragraph(s):
a) Explain / justify why you feel these posters are the MOST effective in its
messages, techniques / tricks and persuasiveness
b) Explain why propaganda was a vital weapon in World War I
* Make sure you include the posters / images you selected with your paragraphs.
PART 4: POSTER CREATION
It is the year 20____ and the world has gone to war against “The Machines” (you can make up
your own name / enemy). Create a propaganda poster urging Canadians to contribute to the war
effort (enlist, ration, fund etc) using a variety of “tricks” or techniques discussed in class. *You
may use symbols, slogans or influential people to persuade the reader! Be creative!
CRITERIA:
 propaganda poster should include at least THREE “tricks” or “techniques”
 include a slogan, symbols, images, icons etc. that reflect wartime and evoke emotions
 the final product should be on an 8,”1/2 by 11” sheet of paper of paper and can be hand
drawn or computer generated
 on the back of the poster, include a short paragraph to explain the tricks or techniques
used in their poster and message of poster
 students should be expected to share their poster with their classmates
SUBMIT to teacher: Part 3 & Part 4
Due date: ________________________________________
Propaganda Poster Analysis and Creation Rubric
Criteria
Clear expression of
ideas
(C)
Level 1
- relfection and poster
communicates
information as isolated
pieces in a random
fashion
- limited evidence of a
point of view
Level 2
- poster communicates
important information
but not a clear theme
or overall structure
Level 3
-poster clearly
communicates main
idea, theme or point of
view
- point of view
apparent but unclear at
times
- clear point of view
Evidence of
Techniques
(T/I)
- little evidence of
techniques in poster
- text and/or symbols
show some evidence
of techniques
Effective use of
colour ,symbols and
graphics
(T/I , C and K/U)
- colour and/or
symbols and graphics
unclear
- colours and/or
symbols and graphics
not clearly supportive
of the theme
- text and symbols
show clear evidence of
use of propaganda
techniques
- colours and/or
symbols and graphics
support theme of
poster
Effective use of text
and/or captions
(C and A)
- text minimally
displayed and purpose
unclear
Presentation of a point
of view
(T/I)
Level 4
- poster clearly and
effectively
communicates main
idea, theme, or
viewpoint to audience.
- provides support of
point of view using
rich or persuasive
detail
- text and symbols
show evidence of
critical use of
propaganda techniques
- the message of or
purpose is obvious to
the audience through
the use of colour and
symbols
- text or caption
delivers the message
with impact
- text is clearly
- text supports the
displayed but does not purpose of the poster
support theme or
message
Overall impact and
- limited effort in
- visuals and texts are
- effort and thoughtful
- the combination of
creativity
presentation is shown; clear though their
preparation clearly
visuals and text make
(A and C)
visuals and texts do
connection may not be shown with elements
for an eye-catching
not match each other
obvious to the
of innovation in the
design with powerful
in quality; limited
audience; design may
caption or in the visual impact
innovation and appeal
show a hint of the
components
to the eye
unusual or innovative
Note: A student whose achievement is below level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity.
Techniques for Poster Design
1.
Mass Appeal: immediate mass appeal regardless of race, culture, wealth, ancestry, position or religion
2.
Transfer: using the names or pictures of famous people (but not direct quotations);
3.
Idealistic: should be idealistic, not realistic
4.
Bandwagon: persuading people to do something by letting them know others are doing it.
5.
Repetition: the product name is repeated at least four times.
6.
Emotional words: words that will make you feel strongly about someone or something.
7.
Testimonial: using the words of a famous person to persuade you.
8.
Must implant a sense of righteousness into the viewer
9.
Minimize the concept of time