Activity Title - "Is This Supposed To Be Funny?"

Goal/Objective

Students will gain experience in analyzing and interpreting political cartoons

Lesson Outline

The focus will be the determination of a political cartoonist's point of view and the main idea of the cartoon.

Introduction

The instructor will give a brief overview of the purpose of political cartoons and their history. Copies of one example of a political cartoon will be passed out to each student for analysis.

Activity

Volunteers will tell what the cartoonist was trying to say. After discussion, consensus will be reached. Instructor will give brief explanation of satire and irony, as well as explain the use of captions and titles. Different cartoons will passed out - one to every two people. In partner dialogue the main idea of the cartoon and the cartoonist's point of view will be determined. After 5 minutes, the pairs will be combined into a group of 4, and information will be shared.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

In the same small group, students will be asked whether they agree or disagree with the cartoonist's point of view and state reasons. Decide if the cartoonist is liberal or conservative, then take a poll among the foursome to determine political leanings. Results of group polls will yield a class profile.

Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts

Extension Activity

Students will write titles or captions for 5 "drawing-only" cartoons that are on display.

ESE Accommodations

Real-Life Connection

Political cartoons reflect diverse thinking in public life. Differing viewpoints must be dignified and respected.

Activity Title - "Is This Supposed To Be Funny?"

Introduction

Say: In newspapers all over the country, political cartoons, making statements about current events, appear daily. Today I have brought to class enough copies of one example for each of you to have. Look carefully at the cartoon to grasp the main idea. In order to do this, you will need to translate the picture into words. Be prepared to discuss what the cartoonist was trying to say.

Main Activity

Volunteers will give responses and the instructor will lead students to consensus.

Say: Because "A picture is worth a thousand words," a cartoonist can express an opinion powerfully through his or her drawings. More often than not, they are meant to contain satire or irony, rather than humor. Sometimes they have captions. Other times, the cartoon stands alone. With just the picture, its intent is clear. I am now going to pass out different cartoons, one to every two people. You and your partner decide the main idea of the cartoon and be ready to explain it to another pair of students.

After 5 minutes, the teacher combines pairs into a group of 4. They will analyze and interpret their cartoons for each other.

Closure/Conclusion

Say: Discuss the following questions within your group. Did you agree or disagree with your cartoonist's point of view? Within your group give reasons "why" or "why not." Do you think the cartoonist is liberal or conservative? Then take a poll among your group to determine individual political leaning to share later with the class.

Follow-up lessons/Activities

Display untitled political cartoons (numbered 1-5) around the room. Ask students to write a suitable title or caption for each carton on their own notebook paper. Display cartoons with composite responses.