K. Hannegrefs
SLM 521 – Spring 2005
Web Drop In #3
Political
Cartoons in NSL Government
Political cartoons have become a way
for social studies students or people in general to understand current and past
events by presenting it in a visual way.
Political cartoons can be found in daily newspapers around the
world.
By being able to interpret political
cartoons, you will be able to gain understanding of current and past events and
people. Political cartoons are used in
the Government HSA. It has been decided
by the Maryland Department of Education to provide you the ability to interpret
political cartoons. You will be
developing your analysis and critical thinking skills.
To help you
with your task the following techniques will come in handy:
Caricature – exaggerating one or more physical
features – a large mouth to show someone who often speaks out on an issue
Symbols – using a recognizable item to
communicate an idea – a elephant to represent the
Republican Party
Juxtaposition – putting two people, two situations
or two ideas that don’t belong together – George W. Bush asking voters to not
vote him off the island (making reference to a popular television reality
program)
Caption – having the characters speak or
summarizing the message in a few words above or below the cartoon.
YOUR TASK:
Analyze the following political cartoons using the questions provided to
help prepare for the Government HSA. The
cartoons are from past HSA exams. This
is an even better way to prepare you for your upcoming exam.
Click on the question mark
to access your worksheet!
POLITICAL CARTOONS:
Click on the word cartoon to access the political cartoon. You do not have to answer the multiple choice
question on the exam. Answer only the
questions on the worksheet.
http://mdk12.org/mspp/high_school/look_like/2003/government/v17.html
http://mdk12.org/mspp/high_school/look_like/2003/government/v39.html
http://mdk12.org/mspp/high_school/look_like/2002/government/v5.html
YOUR FINAL TASK:
(This is your homework!)
Find your own
political cartoon online or in a daily newspaper.
Identify:
1.
the
cartoonist’s name (if you can find it);
2.
the
subject of the cartoon; and
3.
a brief
summary of the cartoon (what is your interpretation; what is the cartoonists
saying; remember the techniques used in political cartoons
4.
Remember
to write down where you found the cartoon and what day!
Attach
the political cartoon to your paper.