Cartoons for the Classroom: Donkeys, Elephants, and Elections

Use a political cartoon to help scholars grasp the significant turnover in Congress following the 2012 mid-term election. A Mike Keefe cartoon uses symbols and current political lingo to convey perspective on the issue, and background...

In this current events learning exercise, students analyze a political cartoon about mid-term elections in the United States and respond to 3 talking point questions.

Empty rhetoric in Washington timelessly inspires political cartoons. Examine this concept through an analysis handout, which features a cartoon by Pat Oliphant (archived work is linked for possible extension activities). Although this...

It's all about the spin! In an introduction to propaganda techniques and soundbite politics, scholars first learn about common propaganda techniques before seeing them in action in the context of the 2016 election cycle. Activities...

A thought-provoking activity doesn't prompt learners to analyze a political cartoon, but rather the importance of political cartoonists in general. They work together and discuss the role cartoonists play in the democratic system. Use...

Combine two current events (2008) in one political cartoon. This handout examines the Large Hadron Collider, a scientific invention that caused a sudden fear of black holes, and the financial meltdown on Wall Street. Background...

Clear up "lame duck" congressional confusion with this political cartoon analysis activity. Background information on the concept's history and current use is provided, and 2 cartoons give a past and present context. Three talking points...

High schoolers discuss the right to vote and the significance of mid-term elections. They research and discuss mid-term issues and the importance of voting in these elections.

Teaching scholars about the concept of partisan-based cognitive dissonance is essential now more than ever. A short video explains how partisanship works and often causes irrational responses.

Dive into the political breach with pupils and explore the reasons for political polarization. Using clips from C-SPAN that include discussions from reporters and scholars, class members consider what is causing the political fault lines...