World War I

Propaganda Poster

Create a World War I Canadian poster using the “major trick” techniques of propaganda that were used at the time and discussed in class. The poster should reflect a clear message and content so as to provide enough information to the reader.

Method

• Each student will select one of the topics outlined below.
• Students will be given time in the library to research textbooks and the Internet. Here are two websites to get you started: www.vac-acc.gc.ca and www.thememoryproject.com , www.firstworldwar.com/posters, www.worldwar1.com/posters.htm
• Students should gather or draw enough visuals to make their poster attractive.
• Each student must include at least one “major trick” of propaganda.
• Each student should become an expert on their area and be expected to analyze the role of Canada in the selected area.
• The final product should be on an 8,”1/2 by 11” or 8,1/2” x 14” sheet of paper of paper. Students should be expected to share their poster with their classmates.
• In addition, each student will have to hand in a two-paragraph paper. The first paragraph should explain the techniques they used in their poster. The second paragraph should include the historical information they came across in their research and how they incorporated it into their poster.

BE CREATIVE!

BE COLOURFUL!

BE HISTORICALLY ACCURATE!

Poster Topics:

• Encourage men to enlist
• Pressure women to encourage their husbands, boyfriends and brothers to enlist
• Encourage women to help out at home
• Encourage children to help war effort
• Being in favour of or against conscription
• Lobbying woman’s right to vote
• Being in favour of or against the Treaty of Versailles
• Encouraging pacificism
• Showing the role of multicultural groups
• The important role of Canadian Heroes. For example, Billy Bishop

World War I Poster Rubric

Criteria	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
- knowledge and accuracy of WWI events and personages	- demonstrates inadequate knowledge of WWI events and/or personages; details not accurate (or complete lack of detail or irrelenvant detail); no research	- demonstrates some knowledge of WWI events and/or personages; 1-2 details which are somewhat accurate, but also somewhat vague; little evidence of research	- demonstrates solid knowledge of WWI events and/or personages; 3 specific details that accurately reflect historical facts; evidence of research	- demonstrates thorough knowledge of WWI events and/or personages; 4 or more specific details that accurately reflect historical facts; evidence of research; consults textbook and sources not provided in class
- selection of topic and images	- choice of topic and images is inappropriate and demonstrates lack of thinking	- choice of topic and images is adequate, but reflects limited inquiry	- choice of topic and images is appropriate (i.e. related to WWI) and reflects some inquiry	- choice of topic and images is highly appropriate and reflects thoughtful inquiry; images are relevant and nicely encapsulates WWI events and/or personages (i.e. picture tells story better than a thousand words)
- use of text	- use of text inappropriate; lacks purpose; too much text (more than 20 words)	- use of text appropriate, but lacks purpose; does not add anything to the overall quality and/or interpretation of the text; too much text (more than 20 words).	- appropriate and purposeful use of text; conveys relevant information; economic use of text (approx. 15 words).	- appropriate and skillful use of text; conveys relevant information; purposeful and adds to the overall quality and/or interpretation of the poster; catchy title/slogan; thoughtful placement of text--skillfully integrated into poster; economic use of next (approx. 10-15 words).
- elements of design: line, texture, color, shape/form, value, space principles of design: repetition, balance, emphasis, contrast, unity	- did the minimum or the poster was never completed	- did the poster adequately, yet it shows lack of planning and little evidence that an overall composition was planned.	- the poster shows that the designer applied the principles of design while using one or more elements effectively; showed an awareness of filling the space adequately.	- planned carefully, made several sketches, and showed an awareness of the elements and principles of design; chose color scheme carefully, used space effectively.
- effort/perseverance	- the poster was completed with minimum effort.	- finished the poster, but it could have been improved with more effort; adequate interpretation of the assignment, but lacking finish; chose an easy idea.	- worked hard and completed the poster, but with more time or effort it would have been outstanding.	- the poster was continued until it was complete as the designer could make it; gave it effort far beyond that required; pride in going well beyond the requirement.