Background
HighSchool students will focus on artistic freedom and the way that artistswere treated in Europe during the World War II. They will use this informationto gain an appreciation for their own artistic freedom and create originalartwork that expresses their feelings towards Nazi Fasicm and the denialof artistic freedom.  The students should have some previous exposureto art and World War II.

1.Brief Description of the Lesson 
Studentswill be introduced to the concept of artist freedom via a range of media.After a slide show and reading of some of the artists feelings toward themovement there will be a discussion and then the students will be givena range of materials to create their own art. 

2.Learning Objectives/Goal 
Throughan exploration of the plight of  German artists during the Hitlerregime, the students will gain an understanding of the value of artisticfreedom.

3.Intended Grade Level or Audience Grade 9-12

4.Concepts Covered in the Lesson 
a.content area-art, history, social studies
b.teaching method-presentation of a slide show, diaries of artist affectedby Nazi Fascism, group discussion of feelings and ideas, and creation ofstudents own art. 

5.Materials or Equipment List
Slideprojector and slides from the internet. Pictures of art, canvas, newspaper,paint, glue, markers, colored pencils, pencils., scissors. 

6.Procedures 
Introducethe students to the lesson by first explaining what exactly happened toartists during the war and the way that they were treated by Hitler andthe Nazis. Explain that if they were unable to get out of Germany theyhad to create their art secretly. Show the slides of the various artistsand their works of art. Announce the artists name, his work, where he wasfrom, and then discuss what the students think  the art means. Discussthe feelings the artist was portraying and the message that he was sending. After the slide show lead a discussion with the students, discuss how thestudent would feel under similiar circumstances.  How would they feelif they weren't allow to openingly create  or if their artwork wascensored by the government. This activity will be followed by art lab. During the art lab the students should be given the chance to create anoriginal piece of artwork that reflects their feelings of the value ofartistic freedom.  They will also be asked to write a brief essaydescribing these ideas and present them in front of the class.

7.Assessment Activities
a.Students will be asked to create a work of art that expresses theirfeelings towards Nazi Fasism and the its impact on artistic freedom. 
b.Advanced Assessment Activities-Students will  write an essay explainingtheir art project and the ideas and feelings behind it. They will makea presentation in front of the class which will highlight their feelingsabout the way that Hitler treated artisits during the war and whether artistscurrently in US are allowed full artistic freedom.

RelatedActivities:
Questions1. What feelings are you expressing in your art? 2. How does it make youfeel that this freedom to create could be taken away from you? 3. Do youthink that Hitler and the Nazis impacted the artists in a positive or negativeway? Did they learn to appreciate their art even more? 
 
 
 

Createdby: Katie Anderson & Mary Cerino