---
title: A short course on the basic techniques
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/
description: 'One technique per lesson. Each lesson takes a few minutes: what it is, how it works, why it works on people, real examples from different sides and eras…'
section: Learn
---

![Illustration: a dossier collage of an intelligence briefing room with case files and behavioral-analysis notes on a chalkboard.](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/hero-learn.jpg)

Learn

# A short course on the basic techniques

One technique per lesson. Each lesson takes a few minutes: what it is, how it works, why it works on people, real examples from different sides and eras, a question to check yourself, and a real archive object to analyse.

[Start lesson 1](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/bandwagon/)

## Unit 1: Borrowed weight

Techniques that make a claim feel true or settled because of who or how many stand behind it.

1. [![](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/technique-cards/bandwagon.jpg)Lesson 1BandwagonTreat popularity, momentum, or 'everyone knows' as proof.About 8 minutes](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/bandwagon/)
2. [![](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/technique-cards/testimonial.jpg)Lesson 2TestimonialA named person or institution vouches; the vouch is meant to end checking.About 7 minutes](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/testimonial/)
3. [![](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/technique-cards/transfer.jpg)Lesson 3TransferBorrow prestige or stigma from a respected or hated symbol and paste it onto the message.About 8 minutes](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/transfer/)
4. [![](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/technique-cards/plain-folks.jpg)Lesson 4Plain folksThe speaker performs ordinary-person identity to make the message feel homegrown.About 7 minutes](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/plain-folks/)

## Unit 2: Feeling before thinking

Techniques that reach the emotions or the label first, so the claim itself is never weighed.

1. [![](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/technique-cards/fear-appeal.jpg)Lesson 5Fear appealImminent harm is staged so the audience accepts the offered protection without comparing base rates or alternatives.About 8 minutes](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/fear-appeal/)
2. [![](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/technique-cards/glittering-generalities.jpg)Lesson 6Glittering generalitiesVirtue words (freedom, security, the people, science) used as substitutes for a testable claim.About 7 minutes](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/glittering-generalities/)
3. [![](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/technique-cards/name-calling.jpg)Lesson 7Name-callingAttach a loaded label so the audience rejects the target without checking the claim.About 7 minutes](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/name-calling/)

## Unit 3: Us, them and the missing half

Techniques that draw the line between groups, or show only the part of the evidence that helps.

1. [![](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/technique-cards/scapegoating.jpg)Lesson 8ScapegoatingPark blame for a complex harm on a bounded out-group so the in-group stays clean.About 8 minutes](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/scapegoating/)
2. [![](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/technique-cards/identity-fusion.jpg)Lesson 9Identity fusionCollapse checking the claim into betraying the tribe, so method-critique feels like treason.About 8 minutes](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/identity-fusion/)
3. [![](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/technique-cards/card-stacking.jpg)Lesson 10Card stackingSelect, omit, or order facts so the remaining pile can only be read one way.About 8 minutes](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/course/card-stacking/)

Every lesson uses the same definitions for every side, party and country, and every example is a real archive object with its source. Your progress is saved only in this browser.

How a lesson works

1. Learn the definition and the tell
2. See how it works and why it works on people
3. Study three real archive examples
4. Answer a check question
5. Spot the technique in a real object
6. Take away a checklist

In numbers

**10** lessons in 3 units

**40** real archive objects

**About 76** minutes in all

Prefer to read?

- [All 28 techniques](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/)
- [The psychology library](https://propagandaarchive.org/learn/)
- [The collection](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/)