Creating Political Cartoons

Learning Targets

• Understand the working parts of a political cartoon.• Analyze successful political cartoons.• Apply this knowledge by creating a political cartoon about the problems of city life that immigrants faced.

MUST• Share author’s viewpoint (opinion)

and need no explanation; use labels, titles, & dialogue

MUST• Use facial expressions to support author’s

viewpoint

MUST• Use images that capture the

reader’s eye

MUST• Be on assigned topic (i.e. problems

of city life) and use historical facts to make a point

MUST• Be professional! NO stick

people.• Colored in or shaded, or include

details!

MUST• Use literature techniques (begin w/

symbolism)

Symbolism: use of simple images to represent large ideas

Personification: giving human characteristics to inanimate non-living objects or animals

Caricature: use of exaggerated features for comic effect

Parody: humorous use of popular works of art (T.V. shows, movies, fairy tales, etc.) to make a point

Sarcasm: a biting, cutting, often ironic remark used to make fun of someone or something

FINAL HINTS: #1: Use things you know and understand. (i.e. household items, chores, lunch, school, games, etc.)

FINAL HINTS: #2: Use exaggeration of size to sell your point!

FINAL HINTS: #3. Make sure it’s a cartoon, not a picture of the topic.

Titling Your Cartoon

Sample subject: Overcrowding in Tenements

•Do NOT list your topic (i.e. Tenements)•SHOULD share your viewpouint! (i.e. Welcome to America!)•CAN be sarcastic (i.e.The Joys of Tenement Living)•CAN be a question (i.e. Is this the American Dream?)

“Immigration and City Life”

Political Cartoon

Mini-Project

• Create a political cartoon which highlights a problem of city life that needs to be changed in American cities at the heighth of immigration.

• The cartoon should follow the guidleines which have been reviewed today.

• It is worth 8 points!

Political Cartoon Rubric & Practice

Note: Remember that your cartoon MUST be on immigrants and city life. Use historical details from your tree map!