Y12 S2: Power and Persuasion: Propaganda

In this semester, we explore one of the most enduring and influential functions of media: persuasion. Whether it's a viral documentary, a political slogan, a satirical film or a social media campaign, persuasive media is everywhere — shaping how we think, feel and act, often without us even realising it.

To understand the power of media to influence, we begin by looking backward — to one of the most famous and controversial examples of propaganda ever made: Triumph of the Will (1935), directed by Leni Riefenstahl. Commissioned by Adolf Hitler, the film was designed to glorify the Nazi regime, but its impact reaches far beyond its historical context. It remains one of the clearest examples of how camera angles, editing, music and spectacle can be used to manipulate emotion, construct ideology and position an audience.

Many of the visual and rhetorical techniques pioneered in Triumph of the Will — such as hero shots, choreographed crowd sequences, symbolic framing and rhythmic montage — have not disappeared. Instead, they’ve been absorbed into advertising, political media, docudrama and social campaigns, where they often operate in more subtle ways.

This unit challenges us to look closely. How does persuasive media construct meaning? How does it represent people, values, and ideologies? Who is being persuaded — and by whom?

Over the next eight weeks, we’ll examine media works from across genres and platforms. Some will feel obvious in their messaging. Others may seem neutral — until we unpack the choices behind them.

Ultimately, this unit is not about learning what to think — it’s about learning how to see.

Written Response Feedback is available here via ChatGPT