Civil War (Causes) Political Cartoon
Assignment:
In this activity, you will choose one of the five causes of the Civil War that we discussed in class. After you have chosen your issue, use your notes, the web, netschool ppt., textbooks, online encyclopedia, etc. to investigate the issue in more detail so that you have a firm understanding.
Next, you will create a political cartoon about the cause you chose. It can be from a northern or southern point-of-view. This is your choice…and it’s okay to choose a southern perspective…this is a history class and you won’t be judged. I also understand not everyone is an artist, but try your best, do rough draft sketches…you are past the age of stick figures being acceptable.
Requirements:
1. One 8½ X 11 White non-lined sheet of paper
2. Hand drawn (stick figures and “Photo-shopped” pictures are not acceptable)
3. Colored (by color pencils only – no markers, pens, crayons, water colors, etc)
4. The BACK of the cartoon should have:
a. Title of Cartoon
b. Name
c. Date
d. Class period
5. It does not have to be one “big” drawing. It can be a comic strip format with multiple panels if you would like
How you will be graded:
Here’s how I will grade your work… There a 4 points possible for each category for a total of 12 points
Excellent = 4 10-12 = A
Acceptable = 3 7-9 = B
Minimal = 2 4-6 = C
Unacceptable = 1 1-3 = F
Helpful Stuff – READ BELOW… Helpful Stuff – READ BELOW… Helpful Stuff
· What is a political cartoon?
A political cartoon is a cartoon that makes a point about a political issue or event.
· What topics do political cartoons address?
Could include economics, politics, social issues/events, prominent individuals.
· How can you tell what the message of the political cartoon is?
By observing and analyzing the images and text.
· What is point of view?
A person’s belief or judgment on an issue.
· How might point of view affect a political cartoonist?
A cartoonist will be guided by his or her point of view. Cartoonists might only express their own beliefs on an issue, or they might take the point of view of others into consideration.
“Where or how do I start?” - A Guide for Creating a Good Political Cartoon
First you must ask yourself, “What is the issue I want to write about?” A good way to decide is to look over your notes. What issue stands out to you? Meaning, was there something that shocked you, something that you think is not right, something that seems hypocritical, something that you think needs change, something that is emotional, etc? You should write down your statement and then ask yourself “why do I feel this way and what should be done?”
1
Brainstorm ideas for your cartoon; you have to understand the topic you choose.Think of possible ideas in your head that you could create, and do not neglect ideas if they seem stupid.
2
Roughly draw a sketch of the idea that you like the most.Do a rough drawing/sketch on what you think is the best that you thought of.
3
Start drawing your idea.Draw your cartoon, have patience and make sure that it is readable and makes sense.
4
Make sure your idea shows symbolism.If you make your cartoon on just two people talking and show no symbolism, that is not a political cartoon. Show symbolism about the topic.
5
Analyze other political cartoons.In order to create a type of standard for your cartoon to follow, look at other cartoons and see how they use symbolism. Check the web or see below for a couple of examples.
6
Do not make the political cartoon too easy to analyze.Make the cartoon understandable, but yet hard to make the reader think about the topic and get their mind working.
7
When you are done look at it and see if it makes you think to understand it. Look at it when you’re done and see if it makes sense and yet still difficult to analyze. Have a neighbor look at it and give you feedback.
8
Add color or shading effects to bring your work to life.
9
If needed, create a title.(Make sure it is creative and symbolic. If you are going to create a title, always make it creative.
10
Have fun and enjoy it.Don’t stress, enjoy making it! I know it’s hard…I’ve done it before. It’s incredibly higher level thinking and like JFK said…we are doing this “not because it is easy, but because it is hard”
Civil War Political Cartoon Examples Below:
Please note:
It is very tempting to copy cartoons that have already been done. Some students believe that they can take an idea from an artist, change a thing or two, and then claim it is their own. This is plagiarism and will result in a failing grade. You must come up with an original idea.
Here are some links for political cartoon examples:
http://www.politicalcartoons.com/
http://editorialcartoonists.com/cartoon/display.cfm/29834/
http://www.cartoonistgroup.com/search/results.php