Persuasion and Propaganda in Colonial Documents Unit 3 English 310

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!

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?

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.

Task #1 Understanding Persuasion

Ethos, Pathos, Logos As you watch the following video, take notes on the presentation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAsxyffBqm0 Developed by Aristotle (Greek philospher). He believed you needed all three to create a strong argument. Logos is most important Hand out definitions worksheet after the video.

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

Directions for your word maps 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? 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, Definitions can be found on page 209 in your text book as well as from you notes.

Logical Appeal (logos) Emotional Appeals (Pathos) Part of speech: noun Definition: pg. 209 Synonyms: feelings Antonyms: indifference; logical appeals Example/Sentence: pg. 209 Ethical Appeal (ethos) Part of Speech: noun Definition: pg. 209 Synonyms: beliefs, conduct Example/sentence: pg. 209 Logical Appeal (logos) Part of Speech: noun Definition: pg. 209 Synonyms: reason, rational, what makes sense Example/sentence: pg. 209 Ethos Pathos Logos

Structure of an 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, counterclaim Sentence: when writing an argument you must first start with a claim to establish your position on the topic.

Structure of an Argument Counterclaim Parts of speech: noun Definition: a claim made to rebut a previous claim; the opposite position of an established claim Synonyms: counterargument, rebuttal Antonym: claim Sentence/example: claim: Schools should have uniform policies. Counterclaim: schools should not have uniform policies

Propaganda Part of Speech: Noun Definition: 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. Types: Name-calling, glittering generalities, transfer, testimonial, plain folks, bandwagon, fear, bad logic.

Video Introduction “The Power of Propaganda” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohoXZ6EcneA

Terms in your textbook Allusion Part of speech: noun Definition: 1169 Example/Sentence: pg. 1169 Use the “Handbook of Literary and Historical Terms” beginning on page. 1169 You will find the definition and an example Allusion Rhetorical Question Rhetorical Question Part of speech: noun Definition: pg. 1183 Sentence: My question was rhetorical; I wasn’t really expecting an answer.

Loaded Words Hate Love Using words that will make people feel strongly about someone or something.

Loaded words work because they make you feel a certain way. What words are used in these ads that make us feel a certain way?

Loaded Words Part of speech: adjective and noun Definition: Use of words likely to engage strong emotions in the audience Synonyms: Emotional words Antonym: Sentence: “lying supinely on our backs” “hugging the delusive phantom of hope” Patrick Henry

The 3rd type of Propaganda is… Testimonial Using words and images of a famous person or an expert to persuade.

Testimonial Part of speech: noun Definition: using a famous person or “real” person to try to convince you to support something or someone. Sentence or example: When politicians get celebrity endorsements or other politicians to back them.

Testimonials work because you feel like you can trust the words of an expert or someone famous.

We are more likely to believe people like us Plain Folks Part of speech: noun Definition: Plain Folks" is a form of propaganda . A Plain Folks argument is one in which the speaker presents him or herself as an Average Joe, a common person who can understand and empathize with a listener's concerns. Sentence/example: speaker or writer references and ordinary family doing ordinary activities. We are more likely to believe people like us

Transfer Part of speech: noun Definition: a device by which the propagandist links the authority or prestige of something well-respected, such as a church or nation, to something he would have us respect. Type of PROPAGANDA Example: a politician ends his speech with a prayer (appeals to people respect religion/faith/their church).

Objective Part of speech: adjective Definition: (a person or their judgment) not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts. Synonyms: empirical, observational Example or Sentence: It is a jury’s responsibility to be objective and fair when deciding a defendant’s guilt or innocence.

Repetition Part of speech: noun Definition: repeating words or phrases for emphasis when speaking or writing. Synonyms: duplication, reiteration, reprise Antonyms: once, original, single Sentence: “He says he didn’t know” repeated over and over about a politician in the same advertisement.

If you drove by these repeating signs, why would you be interested? Repetition works because you remember things better when you’ve seen or heard it more than once. If you drove by these repeating signs, why would you be interested?

Band Wagon Part of speech: noun Definition: an attempt to strengthen an argument by convincing the audience that accepting the writer’s or speaker’s view will put them on the popular or apparently winning side. Example: Everyone’s got one, and so should you! Watch for writers who include a lot of people as an example of why you should participate too.

What other examples of BANDWAGON can you think of? From today: From World War I: Click here to see iPod ad

Name-Calling Part of speech: noun Definition: the use of disparaging or abusive names to attack those who oppose the speaker or writer. Meant to increase fear in the audience. Sentence/example: commie, fascist. My opponent is a flip-flopper

Why do you think we see this technique used so often in politics? Name-calling works because if we believe the competition is bad, we can assume this product will be the best choice. Why do you think we see this technique used so often in politics?

Figurative Language Part of speech: adjective, noun Definition: language that appeals to the five senses including imagery, irony, sarcasm, simile, metaphor, alliteration. Synonyms: figures of speech Sentence: “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; that is the lamp of experience” Patrick Henry using a metaphor in his speech to the Virgina Convention.

Glittering Generalities Part of speech: noun Definition: telling only positive things about something or someone, without giving evidence or facts. example: using words to stir up positive feelings– words like “honor” and “family values”.

Final thoughts Aristotle believed you needed ethos, pathos, and logos to make a strong argument. Logos is the most important He also believed the truth would in the end be more persuasive than any technique. Propaganda is a form of pathos. It can be used for good and for evil. Evil propaganda uses fear to control people. To be an informed citizen you need to be able to recognize these things so you can make good decisions about who you’ll believe in and what you’ll consume.

16 Elements of Persuasion and Propaganda Summaries On a separate sheet of paper summarize how each element of persuasion is used to persuade a listener, viewer, and/or reader. Use your word maps and any notes you’ve taken to help you in your summary. You will turn in your 16 elements summary for a grade.

Elements of Argument Summaries Due Tuesday after Thanksgiving Direction: On a separate sheet of paper summarize HOW each element of persuasion is used to persuade a listener, viewer, and/or reader. Example: Argument: Argument is a persuasive type of writing or speaking that uses Aristotle’s structure of ethos, pathos, and logos, with logos as the most important. It is persuasive because it appeals to all three parts of human decision-making, our minds, our morals, and our emotions. Due Tuesday after Thanksgiving break 2-3 sentences for each entry. Summarize the definition and HOW it persuades