Read Elaine Miller's latest article: Sarah Palin in the '08 Campaign: Political Cartoon Portrayals

Using Political Cartoons in the Classroom

Workshops for faculty on teaching with political cartoons and presentations for faculty or students can be customized according to the group's needs.

Editorial Cartoons: Bringing World Issues to the Classroom

Bring discussion alive with dynamic editorial cartoons that capture key issues!

Editorial cartoons are an engaging tool to stimulate classroom dialogue. The captivating messages increase visual literacy and awareness of metaphor as argument. Students practice analytic and critical thinking (both verbal and visual) while being informed about current social and political issues on local, national and international levels.

Editorial Cartoons in the Foreign Language and culture Classroom

Enliven language learning through the use of editorial cartoons, to develop a variety of skills - description, interpretation of imagery, and analysis of current events, as well as cross cultural perspectives on humor.

Editorial cartoons are wonderful resources for language learning. At the most basic level, simple description increases language skills and builds vocabulary. At a more complex level, cartoons offer practice in interpretation of both visual and verbal messages that are often couched in metaphor. On the level of information, they are an excellent approach to discussion of current events, since they frame complex issues in a single compact image that serves to maintain focus.

Additionally, cartoons from countries other than the U. S. provide insights into humor, an especially productive and engaging way to foster cultural literacy

Contact E. Miller to discuss the specific interests and needs of your class or group.