This document outlines lessons for analyzing political cartoons. It includes 5 sessions where students will develop critical questions, evaluate cartoons, identify techniques like symbolism and exaggeration, and analyze how cartoons convey messages. The techniques taught are symbolism, exaggeration, labeling, analogy, and irony. Students will then discuss, reflect on, and relate cartoons to real issues. They will present on analyzing political cartoons in the final session.

1. Analyzing Political Cartoons Matt Barcus Tiffany Fouts Brittany Morgan

3. SS.S.9.1 Citizenship

4. SS.S.9.2 Civics

7. Session 2

8. Session 3

9. Session 4

11. Symbolism

12. Exaggeration

13. Labeling

14. Analogy

16. Student’s Reflections and Questions

17. Session 2 It's No Laughing Matter: Analyzing Political Cartoons

19. Reflect

21. Are there any images of famous places or famous people? If not, what images are present? Are any of the images being used as a symbol to stand for a larger concept or idea? If so, what is the meaning of the symbol? Is the cartoonist using any other artistic techniques (e.g., irony or exaggeration) to express his or her opinion on an issue? Does the writer label anything in the cartoon? If so, what is the importance of the label? What message is the author trying to convey in this cartoon? What evidence in the cartoon supports your opinion?

22. Session 5 Presentations on Political Cartoons