How Various Forms of Media Affect the
Perception of America in World Conflicts

Unit Details Subject: Social Studies Learning Levels: Intermediate, Middle School, High School Author(s): Thomas Avery, Leonard Duck, Laura Hallett Submitted by:

Abstract Americans’ perspective of our country's role in world conflicts is different than the perspective of non-Americans. This view has been affected by propaganda from many sources that has been distributed during these events. This unit will focus on studying and analyzing various forms of media from World War II and from the present. We will discuss both the perspective of Americans and non-Americans, and how the media has shaped that perception. Invitation/Fundamental Understandings: Essential Questions: Knowledge and skills: Fundamental understanding: America’s role in the world during World War II America’s role in current global conflicts America’s role as it is perceived by Americans and other countries Essential Questions: How do we view United States’ role in world conflicts and how do others view the United States’ role? How does media affect the view of the United States? How is the perception of world conflicts affected by the media? Knowledge and skills: Read nonfiction Interpret political messages Analyze pictures Listening skills Compare and Contrast Essential vocabulary: Propaganda, Media, Conflict, Global, Terrorism, Patriotism, Point of view, Perspective, Perception, Perceived, Censorship, Foreign Policy Standards National Standards United States History Standards 25. Understands the causes and course of World War II, the character of the war at home and abroad, and its reshaping of the U.S. role in world affairs 27. Understands how the Cold War and conflicts in Korean and Vietnam influenced domestic and international politics 28. Understands domestic policies in the post-World War II period 30. Understands developments in foreign policy and domestic politics between the Nixon and George W. Bush presidencies 31. Understands economic, social, and cultural developments in the contemporary United States State Standards State standard(s): (4.5.4) Identify sources of information people use to form an opinion. (5.5.6) Identify ways conflicts can be resolved in a peaceful manner that respects individual rights. (8.5.2) Explain ways in which nations interact. Clark County District Standards and Objectives District Standards: Students apply knowledge of people, places, and environments to understand the past and the present and to plan for the future. Students describe the general chronological organization of history and know how to organize major events and people to explain historical relationships. Students understand that societies are diverse and have changed over time. Students identify and describe people and events that have shaped the history of Nevada. Students know the United States is part of an interconnected world. District Objectives: [(5) 2.5] chronologically organize major events and people of United States history [(5) 4.9] differentiate between facts and opinions [(5) 4.10] demonstrate concern and respect for the rights of others [(5) 4.11] develop awareness of the role of the media in forming public opinion [(5) 4.7] identify the significance of individual contributions which have helped shape American democracy [(5) 5.1] describe the interdependence and common traits of people in the world [(5) 5.2] discuss the importance of the exchange of ideas between cultures [(5) 5.4] discuss the relationship and interaction of the United States with other nations of the world [(5) 5.5] discuss how different cultures view global issues from different perspectives [(5) 5.6] describe how local, national, and global problems can be interrelated [(5) 5.7] describe how technological advances have impacted communication between nations of the world and have helped people meet the needs of society [(5) 5.8] investigate and describe different forms of government Workforce Competencies: Unit of Practice Relevance: This activity will help students critically assess current events, understand different perspectives of our reaction to these events, and determine how various forms of media shape public opinion. Context Prior to this unit, students need to understand that the United States is part of a global community and, as such, we are affected by global events. Our perception of these events and the perception of other countries about the United States are greatly affected by various forms of media. It is important that students learn to critically evaluate these messages from their own point of view, as well as, understand how others interpret these events. These activities are designed to focus on age-appropriate and relevant current events. Assessment Assessment will be based on the completion of one of the following projects: Poster, scrapbook, collage, speech, or slide show. Each project must include a written component. Formative assessment will be based on students’ answers to focus questions at the end of each lesson. Components: 1. Use KWL charts to analyze propaganda posters of WWII and political cartoons/posters of current Mid East conflict. Compare both using a Venn diagram. 2. Use KWL charts to analyze photographs of WWII and the current Mid East conflict. Compare both using a Venn diagram. 3. Use KWL charts to analyze presidential speeches from WWII and current Mid East Conflict. Compare both using a Venn diagram. Additional Resources Main URL: Related Resources Poster/Cartoons Pictures Presidential Speeches Copyright © 1997-2003 Career Connection to Teaching with Technology USDOE Technology Innovation Challenge Grant Marshall Ransom, Project Manager All rights reserved.