Background
As part of a 20th century history course, students will learn about the widespread protests and strikes that occurred during 1968 in Paris. They will learn how art was used for political protest, especially in the form of political posters. The intention is that students will learn about some of the issues at hand in 1968 Paris, and also that they will consider the purpose of artworks in their historical context. A key question that will be raised is: Can propaganda be considered art or merely artistic?
Brief Description of the lesson
Students will be introduced to the nature of the conflict in 1968 Paris. They will then be presented with a number of examples of protest posters, and with a statement by the producers of the posters discussing their purpose. Class discussion will be held on the purpose of art works. Students will then be asked to produce a poster in protest or support of some current local or national situation or event.
Intended Grade Level
This lesson is intended for a 12th grade modern history class.
Concepts covered in this Lesson
The content areas for this lesson are modern history and art as political protest. The teaching methods used are direct instruction for the introduction to the historical events and exploration of website for examples of political posters. The class will dicuss art as political protest, and student created political posters will be assessed.
Materials or Equipment List
Computing facilities with web access for students to view burn.ucsd.edu/paris.htm web page, poster board and markers for student posters.
Procedures
Start with a 10 minute lecture on the conflict in Paris in 1968. Briefly discuss the nature of the conflict, the parties involved, and how the posters produced by the Atelier Populaire were used. At this point, the students will explore the burn.ucsd.edu/paris.htm website. They will be asked to pay special attention to the statement by the Atelier Populaire concerning the purpose.
After the students have been able to explore the site for twenty minutes, begin a discussion on the use of art as a political protest. The major question to be asked is whether propaganda such as these posters retains its status as art, or whether it is something else. The remainder of the class will be spent with the students creating their own posters in support or protest of a current even or situation, with a one page description of the purpose of the poster, and how it supports a political view. The students will also be asked to include whether they believe the poster to be an artwork, and why or why not.
Assessment Activities
Students will be graded based on the content of their essay, and their participation in the class discussion. It is not important how technically competent they are as artists (and this should be stressed), but how there poster portrays a political view. This lesson should be provided in an open and supporting environment, so that students do not feel that they will be judged on their artistic ability. Emphasis should be on the understanding of art as political protest.
Created by: Jason Youngers
