1. Persuasion and Propaganda in Colonial Documents
Unit 3 English 310

2. Scenario
Have negative political speeches and TV ads really "taken dirty to a whole new level,” as CNN's Anderson Cooper argues? Is “civility,” or politeness in political speech, a remnant of a bygone era," as President Barack Obama claims? You’re about to find out the answer to those questions. If “dirty” political speech, a widely criticized element of any political season, was actually a part of the founding of the United States, then attack ads and political “mudslinging” are as American as apple pie. Whether the purpose is to rouse citizens to support an unpopular military conflict or persuade them of the evil intent of foreign dictators, propaganda and persuasion techniques remain popular tools of politicians. So let’s investigate some of America’s most famous political speeches and documents, from both the 18th century and today, and decide for ourselves: Was political propaganda a thing of the past? Is dirty political speech and a lack of “civility” on the part of politicians a modern day phenomenon? For the next five weeks, we will travel back in time to Colonial America to study and analyze the words of our Founding Fathers, then travel back to the future to use those very documents as a point of comparison in our analysis of contemporary political speech. We learn by doing, so as we conduct our investigation, not only will we study and analyze elements of propaganda and persuasion, but we will learn to use them as well in our own creations. So hop into your DeLorean and buckle your seat belt as we go “Back to the Future!” It’s going to be a wild ride!

3. Essential Questions
How does a good reader truly know what an author is actually telling him/her?
Why must a good reader be able to not only recognize but also explain the reasoning in historical American documents as well as evaluate the documents effectiveness?
How does a reader determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word? How does a reader know which definition of a word the author is using?
Why is it important to write in an organized and clear manner?

4. Background The Colonial Period 1607- 1783
Includes the continued settlement of America through the revolution.
Using the handout provided, pick 8 events from the packet that you think are most important for YOU to know as we begin this unit. Not including the first and last I provided.
On page 76 of you notebook, create a timeline of those dates. You can include as many details as you feel you need to have to create effective notes.

5. Task #1
Understanding Persuasion

6. Ethos, Pathos, Logos
As you watch the following video, take notes on the presentation. Now return to your do now from 11/12. Can you identify any of these three types of persuasion in your own argument? What did you depend on most to convince your audience? Write your response below your notes.
Hand out definitions worksheet after the video.

7. Argument is like a three-legged stool
Argument is like a three-legged stool. It needs all three appeals to stand.
ARGUMENT L O G S E T H O S P A T H O S

8. Word Maps Argument Claim Part of speech: noun
Definition: a form of persuasion that appeals to reason rather than emotion to convince an audience to think or act in a certain way.
Synonyms: Debate, discussion
Antonyms: agreement
Sentence: His argument did not convince his opponents.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a position taken on a particular issue
Synonyms: thesis statement, opinion, position.
Antonyms: disclaim
Sentence: when writing an argument you must first start with a claim to establish your position on the topic.

9. Directions for your word maps
Using a dictionary, thesaurus, your textbook, and your notes, you will complete word maps for each of the 16 terms.
You may work with a partner, but you are each responsible for completing your own word maps.
Ethical Appeal, Emotional Appeal, Logical Appeal, objective, rhetorical question, figurative language, repetition, bandwagon, allusion, name-calling, glittering language loaded language, plain folks, testimonial, transfer, propaganda

10. Propaganda
Noun
Ideas and statements that are often false or exaggerated and that are spread in order to help a cause, a political leader, a government, etc.
It can be used for positive means, (it could boast public morale during war-time) but most often is associated with government control and lies. Think Hilter’s propaganda campaign against Jews.

11. Video explainations
Watch the following videos and maintain detailed notes on propaganda.
“The Power of Propaganda”
“Top 10 Best TV Political Ads”
“Persuasive Writing Using TV Ads”