How to analyse Political Cartoons for your History Exam and other handy study tips
In previous study seminars students have come away saying, that as far as studying for the history exam goes, these are the top 10 tips:
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We really do hope that you have all been to the Alexander Library before now but if you haven’t (shame on you!) it is a pretty cool place even if you’re not studying for History. There are plenty of nooks and quiet seats to settle in and do some learning, gets you out of the house and makes an ideal alternative study spot if there are too many distractions at home (like ice cream in the freezer or noisy brothers and sisters). Additional bonuses: the library provide past papers and study guides in the Group Study Area on the first floor and you can access FREE wireless courtesy of the Perth Cultural Centre.
And, since analysing cartoons was a popular topic here is a quick de-brief on what to look for in political cartoons of the past:
Caricature – exaggerations and distortions of people and objects that aim to provide humour. For example Tony Abbot is always depicted in cartoons with extremely large ears.
Stereotypes – an oversimplified view of something which is often insulting but provides a way of quickly communicating a point. For example “cashed up bogans” was a term introduced into Australian dialect to describe people from blue collar backgrounds who now earn a rather generous salary and noticeably spend their earnings on expensive consumer items.
Determine the audience for whom the cartoon was intended – where and when was it published and what portion of the population was it aimed at (hint: the publication it appears in will help you determine this).
Symbols and metaphors – symbols stand for another thing (people, place, event) and are often easily recognisable. For example, the Kangaroo is often used to symbolise Australia, how the Kangaroo is portrayed will indicate how the cartoonist is representing Australia. A tired and hungry looking kangaroo may indicate a slumped and weak Australian economy.
Get practicing your Modern History and download the 2012 WACE exam papers. Or if Ancient History is more your thing the 2012 WACE examinations are also available.
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