Propaganda in Art and History

PROPOGANDA IN ART AND HISTORY

Intructors: Mr. Wimmer and Mrs. DeYoung

Trimester III

This course will examine the relationship of visual art, propaganda in particular, and its effects on society. We will explore how governments utilize visual art, both overtly and subtly, to sway public opinion. The timeline for the course will be from the beginning of WWI to the cold war, first examining Germany, then other selected countries and concluding with the United States. Through contemporary connections, students will develop an understanding of the impact of visual art in their life, how it affects them as individuals and as part a collective. Issues of freedom, identity and art as a vehicle for mass manipulation will be examined in a political context. We will view art, write interpretations and read essays and articles that deal with propaganda in context. Students will also keep a visual journal of contemporary media. There will be three projects two minor and one final project that will be presented to the class.

The class will include readings and visuals from a wide variety of sources. Class participation will be factored into the student’s final grade.

ASSIGNMENTS:

JOURNAL: consisting of notes and visual images of contemporary media.

TWO MINI RESEARCH PROJECTS: Pick a topic (how propaganda was/is used by leader, government or historical movement, individual artists- how they were employed to use propaganda through art, etc.) 2 pages plus visuals.

FINAL PROJECT: Each student will present a project that incorporates visual and historical elements (approved by instructors) and give an overview, (3-5 pages plus visuals and an oral/visual presentation of 10-15 minutes- date assigned by instructors. At least 4 sources (1 internet). Citations and bibliography must be included.

•This course may be taken for 1/3 Art credit or 1/3 history credit.