Propaganda in the past and present

The aim of the project is for the students to:
- Understand how propaganda affects public opinion
- Understand how propaganda and misinformation are threats to democracy
- Recognize past and current threats to democracy

This topic can be conducted in mandatory newer history class (e.g. ideologies of the 1900s / WWII / the Cold War). To demonstrate how the topic of propaganda is still relevant and a threat to democracies, examples from current propaganda can be used (e.g. Russian/American propaganda).

The topic can also be used in elect English ESL social studies with the same topics as above. Relevant topics could be examples from the UK and the US and examples of misinformation from e.g. far-right groups or misinformation related to documented/undocumented immigration.

Students may struggle to differentiate between what is just “fake news” and “disinformation”, and what propaganda that actually has an agenda. Many may also believe it’s a phenomenon of the past or something that only happens in other countries.

As an introductory task, students can discuss what propaganda is and what separates it from opinions, scientific claims and facts. The teacher can show different sentences and show infographics for the students to discuss. Furthermore, it’s essential to have concrete visual material to show to the students and for them to discuss. Visuals could be historical posters, current some posts and memes in addition to disinformation or biased wording.