Learning Exercise
Political Cartoon or Propaganda?
Students will analyze political cartoons to discuss propaganda messages.
Course: Middle school social studies
- Material:
- It's No Laughing Matter: Analyzing Political Cartoons
- Date last modified:
- June 9, 2008
- Created by:
- Christina Greening
- License:
-
Share
This is an interesting learning activity from the Library of Congress on the subject of political cartoons. This would... see more
Exercise
As a supplemental learning activity to this learning object, student can work in small groups or individually to select a political cartoon from the time period in which they are studying to analyze and assess what form of propaganda it encouraged.
For example, students studying World War II can select from Dr. Seuss' many WWII era political cartoons. After selecting one, they can write a short response to the following questions:
1. What event is this political cartoon depicting or concerned with?
2. How would you feel if you saw this political cartoon in the newspaper on the date it was published?
3. Whom is this political cartoon criticizing or spreading propaganda about? Please explain your answer fully!
This is a great activity to start conversation amongst students while looking at many history rich primary sources.