The Game of Propaganda®
"Propaganda" is copyrighted by Allen's Academic Games and is available from Wff-N Proof

In this game students must learn to recognize different techniques of persuasion (propaganda). Here are some examples.

Category Sample Techniques Self-Deception Prejudice Rationalization Wishful Thinking Language Metaphor and Simile Quotation Out of Context Shift of Meaning Form Selected Instances Hasty Generalization Faulty Analogy

Actual play of the game is simple. A central reader reads one or more sentences; for example, "I did poorly in algebra, but the teacher was just too hard." Sitting in groups of three or four, players must decide which propaganda technique is being used (Rationalization in this case). Each player must also decide whether to answer "bold" or "cautious." After players have revealed their answers, the reader gives the correct answer. A player who answers "bold" scores 4 if correct but -2 if incorrect. A "cautious" player scores 2 if correct and 0 if incorrect. Players' scores for the round are their totals for the questions for that round.

The techniques have been classified in six sections. In a given round, the examples all come from a particular section. Four sections are played each year in local tournaments and at the national tournament.

Click here to read a letter from a former player who credits Academic Games, and Propaganda in particular, for helping him in college and law school.

Sample Propaganda Questions
Play practice rounds of Propaganda