What Is Our Goal?
Can cartoons make us better? Do they challenge or change society? During our first unit, we will explore these questions as we deconstruct political cartoons by Liza Donnelly. By the end of our first unit, each student will write a multi-paragraph analysis about several political cartoons, participate in a Socratic Seminar, take a vocab quiz, and complete a reflection on their learner’s portfolio.
What Will We Be Doing?
During this unit, students will deconstruct and analyze the political cartoons of Liza Donnelly, a highly influential American artist who works for the New Yorker. This unit will comprise a body of work that students may use for the individual oral exams, which will take place in February. In order to prepare for those exams, students will analyze the artist’s message by identifying specific artistic techniques and the effects they have on the audience. Additionally, students will have ample opportunities to refine their speaking and analysis skills as they present their interpretations in small groups, to the whole class, and during our Socratic Seminar.
How Will I Be Graded?
Every day in class, we will be practicing reading, writing, and speaking. Students will receive constructive feedback and daily in-class assignments. Student completion of this daily practice will be recorded online as “prep” assignments and should be completed in their unit packet (with some exceptions; see the packet link below or our online calendar for more info). Students will receive multiple prep scores for completing thorough and detailed analysis notes in their packets.
Additionally, students will earn a “proof” grade for three assessments: a multiparagraph analysis writing piece; a Socratic Seminar speaking and listening grade; and a vocabulary quiz. Prior to receiving a final on their multiparagraph analysis writing, students will have peers leave constructive criticism and will be given the opportunity to boost their grade after receiving initial feedback and a grade from Mr. Edwards on Google Classroom. There will not be retake opportunities for the Socratic Seminar; however, students may take a retake of our vocabulary quiz. All proofs will be on a 6 point scale using the IB rubrics, with 6 signifying “mastery,” or an “A+,” and a 4 signifying “proficient” (B).
There will be time in class to complete each proof; however, students will regularly need additional time to refine and complete their work at home. Below, I’ve included several examples of the assignments students will be completing during this unit.
We will begin analyzing images by working in small groups and as a class to deconstruct the stylistic elements.
As we develop your interpretative skills, you will begin to choose political cartoons that interest you to analyze with partners and present.
By the end of our unit, you’ll have analyzed approximately a dozen unique political cartoons.
During weeks 3 and 4, you will give and receive feedback on a multiparagraph analysis response which will be graded as a proof.
Additionally, you’ll sign up for either a graded back-channel chatroom discussion or Socratic Seminar.
Finally, at the end of our unit, you’ll have a vocab quiz that will test your knowledge of the stylistic techniques we defined.
Grade Distribution
Prep:
Reading and Writing Assignments: (20%) Complete thoughtful and detailed notes for your political cartoon analysis, including all of our in-class analysis and your individual and partner selected works.
Proofs
Socratic Seminar: (30%) Due Thursday, September 21st, this hour long discussion will include three rounds of speaking and listening. Students will sign up for two rounds and should have a well-organized outline prepared. During each of the two rounds they sign up for, students should cite three to five pieces of stylistic analysis and evidence from our body of work. Alternatively, students may participate in a Back-Channel Chat, which will entail writing on a class message board and responding to peers.
Analysis Writing: (30%) All students will receive an initial grade and feedback on their analysis writing, which is due October 3rd . After revising their writing, student’s final drafts will be due at the end of the following week (all revised grades will be due, in other words, on October 13th).
Reading Quizzes: (20%) Throughout our year, students will have vocabulary on the stylistic elements we analyze in each unit. Our first quiz will be the 2nd week of October. Study guides will be available in class and on Google Classroom. Retakes will be available.
Classroom Resources
1. Unit Materials: Students will primarily use a color-printed and spiral bound packet, which is included below. Given the need to reference materials throughout the year, it is imperative that all students keep their packet work in good condition. Below, I’ve included a PDF copy of our packet and our vocabulary list:
2. Weekly PowerPoints: Weekly PowerPoint slides will be posted on Google Classroom. However, if you’d like to learn more about our class -or preview the work students will engage in, then please feel free to click the links below. Aside from the first two weeks of lessons, this page will not include the later half of our unit. Contact Mr. E. directly for more info.
