Political Cartoons

A good political cartoon has several elements.  Most importantly, it serves as an Editorial, that is, it expresses an opinion about something.  Secondly, there should be at least one Character, an identifiable person or persons.  Third, it should make use of Symbols, things that stand for something else.  The fourth criteria of a good political cartoon is that is contains a Label, words or symbols that identify the message and are usually not part of the cartoon.  Finally, the cartoon should have a Caption, or words that help the reader to understand the issue being addressed.

Create ten political cartoons.  Each must be on a different controversial topic of interest to you.   The rubric for grading the cartoons follows:

1.  The cartoons are neat and colorful.

10      8        6        4        2        0

2.  The issues being dealt with are clear to the “reader”.

30      24      18      12      6        0

3.  The opinion of the cartoonist is obvious to the “reader”.

30      24      18      12      6        0

4.  The characters are easily identifiable to the “reader”.

 10     8       6       4       2       0

5.  Symbolism is obvious.                                              10      8        6        4        2        0

6.  Labels and Captions help to interpret the characters, symbols, and opinions.

10      8        6        4        2        0

7.  There are a total of 10 political cartoons, each regarding a different issue.

40      32      24      16      8        0

8.  A cover page is also included.

10      8        6        4        2        0

This project is worth a total of 150 points.  Bonus points will be awarded if for additional cartoons.