Lesson 1: Posters/Political Cartoons

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

Abstract This three-part lesson focuses on the use of propaganda posters from World War II and the current Mid East conflict. Students will work in cooperative teams to analyze different sets of posters from both time periods. Each group will complete a KWL chart based on their set of posters. The lesson is divided into three 30-minute sessions. The first session will be posters from WWII. The second session will involve posters from the World Trade Center and Pentagon bombing. The teacher will need to have all posters printed before beginning the session. During the third session, students will compare/contrast both sets of posters using a Venn diagram. Lesson fundamental understandings: Essential Questions: 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 Use of propaganda posters and political cartoons to influence the public Essential Questions: How do we view United States’ role in the world? How do others view the United States’ role? How does media affect the view of the United States? How has media changed since WWII? What is the purpose of these forms of media? 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 School 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 know the United States is part of an interconnected world. Clark County School 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) 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 Lesson Prerequisite Skills Knowledge and skills: Read nonfiction Interpret political messages Analyze pictures Listening skills Essential vocabulary: Propaganda, Media, Conflict, Global, Terrorism, Patriotism, Point of view, Perspective, Censorship, Foreign Policy, Perception, Perceived Teacher Information/Situations/Setting/Time Number of sessions: 3 Time/session: approx. 30-45 minutes per session Cooperative groups Posters need to be printed and laminated before beginning Assessment Formative assessment will be based on students’ answers to focus questions at the end of the lesson. Focus Questions: How do we view United States’ role in the world? How do others view the United States’ role? How does media affect the view of the United States? How has media changed since WWII? What is the purpose of these forms of media? Contrast two things from these two time periods. Compare two things from these two time periods. Final Venn Diagrams will also be collected for evaluation. Student Activity/Tasks Part 1: Use KWL to analyze propaganda posters of WWII Give each group of students several posters with a similar theme. Suggested themes are War Bonds, Conservation, Recruitment, Homefront Service, Keeping Quiet, Sacrifice, and Fear. Have students analyze these posters using KWL and discuss them with the entire class. Part 2: Use KWL to analyze propaganda of current Mid East conflict. Give each group of students several political cartoons or modern day propaganda with a similar theme. Have students analyze these forms of propaganda using KWL and discuss them with the entire class. Part 3: Use Venn diagram to compare/contrast propaganda posters and of WWII and the political cartoons of the current world conflicts. Enrichment/Alternate Activity: Students can evaluate additional posters and research additional websites provided. Explore interactive search about Pearl Harbor Cross-Curricular: The following subjects are imbedded throughout the unit: Reading, Art, Language Arts, Geography, Geology, and Cartography Technology Requirements/Tools/Materials Posters need to be printed and laminated before beginning and can be obtained at the following sites. Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943. From this page type in World War II in the search box to get to the collection of propaganda posters. World War II Poster Collection WWII Women's Recruiting Posters Political Cartoons: Teacher's Guide Political Cartoons: Editorial Cartoons Inspirations (software program)can be used to record information on Venn Diagrams and KWL Charts. Acknowledgements: Additional Resources Main URL: Related Lessons Related Resources Copyright © 1997-2003 Career Connection to Teaching with Technology USDOE Technology Innovation Challenge Grant Marshall Ransom, Project Manager All rights reserved.