Media Literacy: Propaganda v. Advertisements

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Poster of AEF soldier standing over a dead German soldier with text encouraging reader to "buy more Liberty Bonds"

This media literacy lesson plan equips students to analyze the purpose behind different forms of media, both historic and modern. Students will explore how media can persuade, inform, entertain, or sell, then delve deeper into propaganda and advertising techniques to critically evaluate the messages they encounter. Students will analyze primary source examples of WWI era propaganda and advertisements. The plan offers flexibility for both teacher-led and independent work, with optional extension activities for a more in-depth exploration.