SOC 387(formerly ANSO 387) Propaganda (Not offered 2006-2007)
A sociological analysis of the phenomenon of mass persuasion in modern
society. The course will examine the institutional and technical apparatus of
modern propaganda and the role of intellectuals and technicians in shaping and
disseminating propaganda. The symbolic content of specific kinds of
propaganda-political, commercial, social, and organizational-will be considered
with attention to propaganda that seeks to overthrow social structures as well as
maintain them. The course will proceed through a series of intensive case studies
with a particular focus on propagandists themselves, considered as experts with
symbols, and on the institutional milieux in which they work. Among other
examples, we will examine the U.S. Committee on Public Information during
the First World War; the Nazi Ministry of Propaganda; the propaganda
machinery in contemporary states of both the left and right, with special
attention to the Middle East; conservative and liberal "public interest" groups;
propaganda in contemporary social movements and national political
campaigns; the workings of corporate personnel offices; and advertising and
public relations agencies in the United States. Throughout the course, we will
analyze how the language, ideologies, and visual symbols of particular varieties
of propaganda seem to affect mass audiences.
Format: seminar. Requirements: full participation in seminar, class
presentations, and a major paper.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 19). Preference given to
Anthropology and Sociology majors.