United States History: Propaganda & Protest

Terms: 1 (not offered every term)
Grades: 11

This course will examine the rise of the modern advertising and media industries in the 1930s and 40s, using that lens to tackle Cold War propaganda and the battle for information through the Vietnam War, including the significant waves of popular protest in the 1960s and 70s, so that we understand more of what it means to be human and how to guard and exercise our political voices. We will assess two contrasting beliefs about humans: Are we easily manipulated, wild masses who need to be pacified? Or, are we rational individuals who are capable of worthy decisions if we have all the information? We will explore how 20th century American leaders often based their strategies on how they answered these questions, with profound consequences shaping the nation today. Students will also have the opportunity for an in€depth exploration of a research topic of their own choosing.