Analyze
These lessons are designed to engage students in critique and evaluation of various types of media messages using key concepts of media literacy.

2.1 Lesson Plan (555 KB pdf)
Students explore how media technologies have played a role in presidential campaigns throughout history. They research how media has been used in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 elections. After identifying key events and compiling information, photos, and videos illustrating media use during these campaign years, students create timelines using an online timeline tool.

2.2 Lesson Plan (209 KB pdf)
Students learn about six genres of political discourse in the media and three persuasive appeals based on Aristotle's classical rhetoric. They then find and analyze examples of the genres and persuasive techniques on the Web sites of the 2008 presidential candidates.

2.3 Lesson Plan (372 KB pdf)
Students learn about the political process by exploring various formats of radio programming. They explore election-related issues and evaluate the authority and authenticity of various types of programming.

2.4 Lesson Plan (698 KB pdf)
Students use an online devil's advocate tool to expand their thinking about key issues in the 2008 election. Students learn how people interpret issues differently, identify persuasive techniques, and determine what information is missing. In the process, they build critical thinking skills and background knowledge about the issues.