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UNIT
2 - PROPAGANDA
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Defining
the problem: |
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Human
beings are by nature always trying to make sense of the world
around them. They turn to parents, friends, religious leaders,
peers, experts, teachers, and increasingly the media for this
information. Such information is never neutral, and is full
of value judgments. Even the most neutral seeming information
has gone through a process of selection (what is important
or less important to convey).
In the battle to convince people about what is important,
irrelevant, irresponsible, desirable, acceptable, unacceptable,
the "Truth", a threat to society, etc. it is important that
young people realize that many so-called "facts" are actually
opinions and not neutral, but value-laden. Some "facts" and
"Truths" have a more devious character and are intended to
purposely slant information to promote a certain (political)
cause. These instances represent clear-cut cases of propaganda.
However, there is a thin line between education, information
and propaganda. Where that line needs to be drawn is something
that young people need to think about given the abundance
of information and propaganda in society.
The basic tenet of the following module is that if young people
become aware of how propaganda mechanisms function they will
be more capable of recognizing propaganda and protecting themselves
against it.
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This
module is based on the principles of "learning by doing" and is inspired
by the learning methodology contained in Complex Instruction (developed
at Stanford University). Teachers should be aware that negative emotions
can be created at the beginning of this module. They should therefore
be fairly well acquainted with the students in their classroom and feel
comfortable talking about controversial issues. Ideally this module
follows a discussion in class about persuasion or the power of advertising.
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Llitth
of module: |
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This
module will take up to 6 or 7 classroom periods, depending on the amount
of time a teacher wants to allow for groupwork. Given its llitth and
focus, this is also a module that can be especially useful for an after
school activity (for instance, in a human rights club).
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Module
objectives: |
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to
understand how propaganda works to gain experience with groupwork. to
show students how conflicts can be created and solved.
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Materials
needed: |
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Preferably at least one computer (for the classroom).
· General materials for creating posters, flags and logos. |
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