Lesson Plan
Political Cartoons: Finding Point of View
Lesson Overview | Preparation | Procedure | Evaluation
Overview
A careful analysis of political cartoons can provide a glimpse into key moments of U.S. political history. In this activity, students will closely examine political cartoons about the Stamp Act; make inferences about the political, social, and economic situations depicted therein; and offer informed speculations concerning each creator’s point of view.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
- Analyze political cartoons
- Identify the ways in which point of view can be detected in political cartoons
Time Required
Two 50-minute class periods
Recommended Grade Level
Grades 9-12
Topics
Government, Law
Era
The American Revolution, 1763-1783
Standards
McREL 4th Edition Standards & Benchmarks
Historical Understanding
- Standard 1. Understands and knows how to analyze chronological relationships and patterns
- Standard 2. Understands the historical perspective
Language Arts
- Standard 9. Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media
U.S. History
- Standard 6. Understands the causes of the American Revolution, the ideas and interests involved in shaping the revolutionary movement, and reasons for the American victory
Credits
Terri Bramhall, Grandview High School, Aurora, Colorado, 2008