Propaganda and Persuasion

Overview

Explore the world of influence in the era of mass media. Persuasion, along with its counterparts—propaganda, manipulation, and coercion—has been a part of the human experience for thousands of years. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the rise of mass media and digital messaging has made it crucial for individuals to understand the tools and science of persuasion.

In this course, taught by Professor Dannagal G. Young of the University of Delaware, you will delve into the powerful and sometimes dangerous world of influence. With 12 eye-opening lectures, you will gain the tools of effective communication and insights to understand—and resist—persuasion in all its forms.

Course Content

01: How Propaganda and Persuasion Differ

Begin with an introduction to persuasion and its ethical implications, distinguishing it from coercion and manipulation. (29 min)

02: Early Fears of Mass Persuasion

Explore the impact of mass media on society and the concerns it raised among social scientists. (30 min)

03: Propaganda of the Third Reich

Examine how Nazi leaders used mass media to build an authoritarian regime and the techniques they employed. (38 min)

04: Persuasion of the American Consumer

Learn about the evolution of consumer advertising techniques in post-war America and their societal implications. (30 min)

05: The Role of Attitudes in Persuasion

Investigate how attitudes are formed and changed, and their significance in the persuasion process. (33 min)

06: Rational and Irrational Paths to Persuasion

Delve into Aristotle’s concepts of pathos and logos, exploring how both rational and emotional appeals influence persuasion. (27 min)

07: Persuading with Reason

Understand the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior, and how they relate to decision-making. (27 min)

08: Persuading with Emotion

Explore how fear can be a powerful tool in persuasion and the conditions under which it motivates action. (30 min)

09: Persuading with Humor, Stories, and Framing

Learn how storytelling and humor can enhance persuasion by engaging emotions and disarming resistance. (31 min)

10: Persuading through Social Identity

Examine how social identity influences attitudes and behaviors, including in-group and out-group dynamics. (30 min)

11: Propaganda and Persuasion in Social Media

Investigate the challenges of propaganda in the age of social media and how to guard against manipulation. (33 min)

12: Misinformation: Audience over Message

Explore the strategies behind the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories in the digital age. (35 min)