Process
You and a partner will use both books and credible internet sources to explore the different forms of propaganda, throughout any era. Movies, books, posters, commercials, advertisments, t-shirts, products etc. are many forms of propaganda used today and "back in the day". Explore these forms and analyze them for themes, mood, purpose and whatever else you see that you can gather from them. After this objective is complete, you will present your findings in a class discussion.
Once the class has presented about their findings amonst several different types of propaganda, you will then narrow your search to propaganda created during the WWI and WWII eras. Finding examples from several countries might make your exploration more exciting and controversial. When you have found a few (3-4) that you like, you will analyze them while using your knowledge of the time eras as well as the events that took place during both wars to interpret the purpose and message portrayed in that poster. Is the message symbolic or literal? Are the reason for publishing this piece political, religious, nationalist or to frighten the reader? etc. Question sheets will be distributed in class to help you guide your analysis.
You will create your own piece of propaganda, be it; movie, poster, or whatever type of propaganda that you may have found interesting during the first process. Using whatever media you see fit, you will create a piece of propaganda that shows, in some way, some aspect of today's society (Politics, Economy, prominant figures in society, satire within politics/economy/society etc. For example; President Obama, John McCain, Angelina Jolie/Brad Pitt, the current economic recession, the War in Iraq etc.) Then, using the second process of analysis, you will write up an explanation of that piece, explaning the message, reasons behind this piece, the theme and or mood portrayed etc. Grading will be determined by a rubric set forth and no, artistic ability will not be taken into account! It is the "big picture" I am looking for, not whether you can draw a perfect Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty. Upon decision as to the focus of your topic, please run it by your teacher, as their approval is needed for you to continue on with your propaganda quest.