Course Name: Current Issues & Propaganda Course
Number: 919
Revision Date: August 20, 2015 Grade/level:
10-12
Course Length:.1
Credit, Semester Class, 90 minutes
Course Description:
(Mission
This is a semester course that
will focus on current issues as they relate to both the domestic and foreign
policies of the United States. The course will bring both a historical and
contemporary perspective to the most important issues facing our nation as well
as America’s role as a world power on the global stage. The course offers a
unique emphasis on the use of the devices and elements of Propaganda on such
diverse issues as the war against ISIS to the political advertisements that inundate
us every two and four years during election cycles. All of this is examined in
light of propaganda’s overwhelming influence on society. Students will be
exposed to the use of propaganda by those who are in power as well as those who
are trying to change society through politics, revolution, and even terrorism.
Students will be provided with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with
the issues that frequent newspapers, television/cable news, and other popular
media and that fuel the controversies that spark debates and call for action
across the nation.
Suggested
Instructional Strategies:
Instructional strategies will focus on establishing an
understanding of the devises and elements of propaganda and applying both to
historical and current situations. Student readings, film/documentaries,
classroom discussions, music, and collaborative group work will foster this
understanding with students being able to provide specific examples of their
knowledge. Media research and critical analysis will be necessary for students
to determine and demonstrate the effectiveness of propaganda as an instrument
of communication.
Course Essential Understandings
By the end of Current
Issues & Propaganda students will understand that:
- The
interests of the United States in the Middle East and our relationship
with the countries of the region are strategic, fluid and complex;
including negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran and combatting the presence
of the Islamic State (ISIS).
- New
Hampshire has a unique role in the presidential primaries where all
candidates practice a form of retail politics in an attempt to win support
and momentum for their bid for the White House.
- Research
involves discovery of new information and the use of credible sources and
access to the views of legitimate authorities on the topic.
- The
devices and elements of propaganda are used on a daily bases to influence
and sway the public on political and social issues as well as commercial
interests.
- Methods
of propaganda are used by nations during times of war and conflict to
generate support and excite the populace at home and abroad as well as to
demoralize, intimidate, and spread fear amongst enemies.
- Propaganda
is a political tool used in modern elections to sell and promote
candidates and ideas as well as to destruct and tear down the opposition
and their policies.
