Y12 S2: Power and Persuasion: Propaganda

Year 12 Media Production and Analysis

Unit 4: Power and Persuasion (Semester 2 – Context: Propaganda)

Overview

• Focus: Analyze and create persuasive media in the context of propaganda.

• Key Theoretical Contexts:

  • Media Theories: Hypodermic Needle, Agenda Setting, Encoding/Decoding, Spiral of Silence.

• Assessment:

  • Short Answer Task (Week 7): Theoretical content from Weeks 1–6.

  • Extended Answer Task (Week 14): Theoretical content from Weeks 8–14.

  • Semester Exam: 2 short answer and 2 extended response questions.

Weeks 1–5: Post-Production and Foundations of Propaganda

Week 1: Introduction to Propaganda

• Theory:

  • Historical and modern examples of propaganda (Triumph of the Will).

  • Differences between persuasion and manipulation.

• Practical:

  • Begin organizing and editing footage from Unit 3.

Week 2: Media Theories of Persuasion

• Theory:

  • Hypodermic Needle Theory, Agenda Setting Function Theory.

• Practical:

  • Rough cut editing: Apply pacing and transitions to strengthen theme.

Week 3: Modern Propaganda

• Theory:

  • Role of social media algorithms in misinformation.

  • Spiral of Silence and audience silence in polarized debates.

• Practical:

  • Add visual and textual elements (e.g., captions, graphics) to reinforce persuasion.

Week 4: Audience Manipulation

• Theory:

  • Encoding/Decoding Theory: Audience interpretations.

• Practical:

  • Peer screenings: Evaluate rough cuts based on audience interpretation.

Week 5: Short Answer Task

• Assessment:

  • Analyze historical and modern propaganda techniques.

Weeks 6–10: Refining the Film

Week 6: Editing Techniques

• Practical:

  • Refine pacing, transitions, and color grading.

  • Add special effects if relevant.

Week 7: Sound Design

• Practical:

  • Finalize music, sound effects, and audio levels.

Week 8: Peer Review

• Practical:

  • Conduct a peer screening and incorporate feedback.

Week 9: Ethics in Propaganda

• Theory:

  • Ethical considerations in creating persuasive media.

• Practical:

  • Final edits ensuring ethical alignment with audience expectations.

Week 10: Extended Answer Task

• Assessment:

  • Write a response analyzing propaganda techniques and theories.

Weeks 11–15: Finalization and Exam Preparation

Week 11: Film Submission

• Deliverables:

  • Submit the final film and production statement.

Week 12: Exam Preparation

• Theory:

  • Review propaganda theories and practical applications.

  • Mock exam sessions with feedback.

Weeks 13–15: Exam Period

• Assessment:

  • Semester Exam: 2 short and 2 extended responses.