About the Course
Comic book heroes punching dictators in the face and aircrafts papering the ground with pamphlets, these types of propaganda are easy to recognize, but what about contemporary ones, like bot-generated tweets, mudslinging political ads, misleading advertisements, and fact-distorting TV news reports? Without an objective distance from current events, and with ever subtler techniques for influencing opinions, how can we tell what is fake news? This course examines nonfiction sources from political systems around the world to analyze the ways people have swayed others to their points of view. Tracing these efforts throughout history, we will become critical media consumers while learning to identify flawed premises and developing rhetorical strategies necessary to question and dissect conflicting messages. We'll use these skills to construct and deliver our own persuasive arguments in written compositions, oral presentations, brief films, and public speeches. Note: Students just completing grade 7 are encouraged to take Creative Nonfiction or Fiction and Poetry before taking this course. This course is intended for students who have completed grade 8 or above.
Typical Class Size: 16
Learning Objectives
- Explore the history of propaganda and gain insight into rhetorical efforts to sway mass opinion
- Investigate theories and approaches to the study of propaganda from a variety of perspectives and systems of thought
- Read, analyze, and discuss a wide array of academic texts or various forms of media to understand persuasive composition, target audiences, and potential logical fallacies
- Complete 4-6 creative or persuasive writing projects, including an analytical essay
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 11, 2026
Filling up fast! 1 spots left
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Propaganda & Persuasion, Seventh Edition, by Jowett & O'Donnell
Techniques of Propaganda and Persuasion, by Shabo
Technical Requirements
Students must bring a tablet with a keyboard, laptop computer, or Chromebook for use during the session. A smartphone will not be sufficient.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 2, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Propaganda & Persuasion, Seventh Edition, by Jowett & O'Donnell
Techniques of Propaganda and Persuasion, by Shabo
Technical Requirements
Students must bring a tablet with a keyboard, laptop computer, or Chromebook for use during the session. A smartphone will not be sufficient.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid