Com 413 Project

1
Com 413 Project

• (HIDDEN) PERSUASIONS

2
Main Components

• An event that best epitomizes the manipulation of
  public opinion through the use of the mass media.
  Current or historical (do not use case studies
  in the text). Your topics must be improved by
  me.
• Three Parts
• A 10-page, double-spaced project report due on
  the last day of class (50 points). Includes
• detailed description of the event, including the
  role of the mass media (approximately 2-3 pages)
• description and explanation of any necessary
  background and related issues (the length of this
  section will depend on the case you have chosen)
• detailed analysis of the use of propaganda in the
  case. This section should illustrate your
  understanding of public opinion, propaganda and
  persuasion concepts and theories and your ability
  to apply them to the dynamics of your case (this
  should be the bulk of your paper, approximately
  4-5 pages)
• critical assessment of the factors contributing
  to either the success or failure of the event
  (approximately 2-3 pages)
• a bibliography with a minimum of 7 and a maximum
  of 20 sources.

3
Final Outcome

• A 1-page, single-spaced project summary or
  abstract to be distributed in class on the day of
  the presentation. Include propaganda techniques
  (10 points).
• A 30-minute group presentation covering the
  critical aspects of your project report, followed
  by class discussion.
• You can make this presentation as creative and
  persuasive as possible using props such as video
  and film clips, slides, costumes, artifacts, etc.
  (40 points). Presentation dates will be arranged
  throughout the second half of the quarter, to be
  notified.

4
Processes

• Group Secretary
• Each group will assign a secretary who will be
  responsible for keeping a record of each group
  meeting and turning in a brief report after each
  meeting (a couple of paragraphs) to be emailed to
  me.
• Component Parts
• The report will include the following
• 1. attendance 2. action taken 3. assignments
  made 4. assignments completed
• Project Grades
• Project grades for individual group members will
  be determined by me with input from group members
  via a secret ballot.