Since the 1700s, political cartoons have played a role in United States politics and public affairs. The wildly popular American children's' author, Dr. Seuss, drew political cartoons for the PM Newspaper during World War Two. In this class, students will analyze his cartoons and discuss the potential messages behind Seuss's cartoons.


Class Structure:
First Meeting: Introduction to World War 2, Dr. Suess, and Important Vocabulary, Discussion
Second Meeting: Cartoon Analysis and Web Scavenger Hunt
Third/Final Meeting: Modern Day Cartoon Analysis and Creation/Presentation of Original Cartoon

Political cartoon topics covered will include symbols, caricatures, stereotypes, analogies, juxtaposition, irony, captioning, and labels.

World War Two topics covered will include fascism, antisemitism, isolationism, America First Movement, Japanese American Internment, and Left-Wing politics during World War Two.

Lessons will take place from a historical/fact-based point of view. Students are encouraged to draw on prior knowledge and make modern-day connections while critically thinking for themselves.