PROPAGANDA TECHNIQUES

LESSON OBJECTIVE(S)		The student will be able to:

•  distinguish among common propaganda techniques
•  identify examples of propaganda techniques in campaign literature and 		    
                campaign speeches

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

Activity 1	Handouts/Transparencies F-1  "Propaganda Techniques"
			Handouts/Transparencies F-2  "Identifying Propaganda 										Techniques"
Activity 2	Advertisements from magazines (not included)
			Campaign literature (not included)

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1 - "What is Propaganda?"
Introduce the various propaganda techniques to the students (found in Handout F-1) 
by showing advertisements from various magazines.  Have students work in small groups 
to complete activity sheet F-2.


Next, explain to students that sometimes the person covered in news stories will use 
propaganda techniques.  Propaganda is a technique used to influence and persuade others 
to one's point of view.  For example, a candidate for office may make a speech in which 
one of the techniques is used.  The newspaper reports the speech and identifies the speaker.  
By reporting the speech, most newspapers are not employing propaganda techniques, but 
factually stating who said what.  Find examples of news reports of a candidate using a 
propaganda technique in a speech.

Activity 2 - "How is Propaganda Used in a Political Campaign?"
Provide students with copies of campaign literature distributed by the candidates.  
Also, distribute copies of Handout F-3 and have students work in groups to analyze 
campaign literature in terms of the Propaganda Techniques defined in Handout F-1.  
Each group should examine campaign literature of several candidates.  To provide 
closure to this activity, ask students such questions as:  In their ads, do candidates 
deal with issues, or do they appeal strictly to your emotions?  Do they gain your sympathy?  
Do they make you suspect their opponents' character or abilities?  Do they arouse anger?

Campaign Strategies
Topic F


Students may wish to analyze "real" ads published in newspapers, on television, or 
in campaign literature before they begin this activity.  Students should ask themselves, 
"Would you attack an opposing candidate, stress achievements while in office or make 
campaign promises?"  Then, students can compare their ad with what is actually running 
in the newspaper, on television, or being distributed by the candidates.

Have students design a political ad for a candidate of their choice using one of 
the propaganda techniques on Handout F-1.  Tell students that their ad will be 
competing for readership with many other ads in the newspaper so they should consider 
how they will catch the readers attention when designing the ad.  Display the ads in 
the classroom.  Have students identify the propaganda technique used.