TED-Ed
Do Politics Make Us Irrational?
Teaching scholars about the concept of partisan-based cognitive dissonance is essential now more than ever. A short video explains how partisanship works and often causes irrational responses.
TED-Ed
What "Orwellian" Really Means
Is the term Orwellian itself an example of double speak? Often it is, according to this short video that examines George Orwell's warnings about how language can be used to control thought. A great resource for today's digital natives.
C-SPAN
On This Day: Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Many Americans can identify Thomas Paine and his seminal work, Common Sense. Yet, only six people showed up at his funeral. Using video resources, class members study both the document and the outcomes of his inflammatory words. Clips...
Curated Video
Propaganda During World War 1 - Opening Pandora's Box
Win a war by owning the hearts and minds of those at home. Scholars research the use of propaganda by all nations involved in World War I. Using a short video clip, class members analyze the impact of government messages during the first...
Crash Course
The Dark(er) Side of Media: Crash Course Media Literacy #10
Has the media really turned to the dark side? Explore the magic of misinformation through a video from a media literacy series. Content includes wartime propaganda, political ads, and the entertainment industry.
Crash Course
Soviet Montage
Why are film montages in movies so compelling? Learn about the origins and effectiveness of the Soviet montage, as well as discontinuity editing and other filmmaking techniques—and political statements—that arose from the...
Townsend Press
Critical Reading
Skilled readers know that any author's argument must be carefully analyzed and evaluated. Assist youngsters in their reading pursuits with a video about logical fallacies, including circular reasoning, straw man arguments, and false...