Name: Delete and type your nameDate: Delete and type the date

Steps to Analyzing a Political Cartoon

Web Version- You must “Save As…”and save in your Network Folder

Step One: Preliminary Checklist

DIRECTIONS:
  • Either print this sheet so that you can fill it out or fill it out online. If you fill this form out online, be sure to “Save As…” and save your work in your network folder.
  • Circle whether or not the characteristic below is evident in the cartoon.
  • Next describe the characteristic in the space provided.

yes or no / Are there any Symbols present in the cartoon? What are they?:
Symbols:
Delete and type your answer / Can you think of any "deeper meaning" inherent in the symbol. Was the symbol placed in the cartoon for a particular purpose? To convey a some point or to make the reader feel one way or another about the cartoon?
Delete and type your answer
yes or no / Is anything exaggerated in the cartoon? Overly dramatic to make a point? What are they:
Delete and type your answer
yes or no / Is anything distorted? Are any symbols, pictures, people made to look funny, ugly etc.? What are they:
Delete and type your answer
yes or no / Are their any words or statements in the cartoon that may reflect bias?
Delete and type your answer
yes or no / Are any stereotypes present? Is a too-simple version of a group present? Is a group treated unfairly or are they simply used to make a point in the cartoon? What are they?:
Delete and type your answer
yes or no / Are any caricatures of individuals portrayed? Is an individual exaggerated or distorted? What type of message do you get about this person based on the caricature? What are they?
Delete and type your answer

Step Two: Background Knowledge

DIRECTIONS:
  • You may need to do some research on the historical topic to fully understand a cartoon
  • Once you understand the topic, answer the question below.

Based on prior knowledge as well as class study, what type of historical information could help you understand this cartoon?

1. Delete and type your answer

Step Three: Express the point of view in the cartoon

DIRECTIONS:
  • Once you understand the elements of the Political Cartoon (step one) and have a firm understanding of the historical context of the cartoon (step two) you will be able to figure out the authors message in the cartoon.
  • This step asks you to describe the autho’rs bias in creating the cartoon in Brief Constructed Response Format.
  • Fill in each of the sections below in full sentences.
  • You will be asked to state the author's thesis, give four proofs that the thesis is valid and then wrap up your conclusions in a final sentence.

Sentence one: (state the name of the cartoon and point the author is attempting to make through it.)

Delete and type your answer

Body Sentences: (your sentences should be linking items in the cartoon (step one) with information from the historical time period (step two.)

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Last sentence: (restate your point from sentence one)

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Steps to Analyzing a Political CartoonPage 1