PSCI 11
Editorial Cartooning and the Art of Propaganda Winter 2019

Cross-listed ARTH 11
This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

This hands-on course, taught jointly by a nationally syndicated editorial cartoonist, Chan Lowe, and a former member of the Art Department faculty, E. J. Johnson, introduces students to the “Ungentlemanly Art” of cartooning through discussions and an emphasis on the creation of their own work. It is not an art course as much as an exercise in disciplining the mind to distill abstract concepts and opinions into visual and verbal symbols that can be clearly, economically and persuasively communicated to the reader. Previous drawing experience is NOT a prerequisite, nor even an advantage. Non-art majors are particularly encouraged to enroll. The basics of perspective, proportion, and shading will be covered as needed to provide all students with the necessary skills to express themselves. Much more important are an inquisitive mind, a healthy interest in the current national discourse, a willingness to enter into spirited classroom discussion, and an appreciation of satire. The fact that the course will meet during the second month of a newly elected Congress means that there will be plenty of material ripe for cartooning. Class assignments will be critiqued in a non-threatening atmosphere. Lowe, who will be continuously producing daily cartoons, will also present his own work for criticism. Class meetings, at least two hours per meeting three days a week, will alternate between the studio experience and lectures, given by Johnson, that will acquaint students with aspects of the history of caricature, cartooning and art with a propagandistic or overtly political purpose. The lectures will provide students with knowledge they may use in producing their cartoon assignments. The success of this course depends on the commitment and motivation of all participants. Course requirements include the drawing of several editorial cartoons per week, daily reading and viewing of news media. Adjunct Instructor Bio: Chan Lowe has been an editorial cartoonist and opinion writer since graduating from Williams in 1975. He has worked for newspapers in Oklahoma, Florida and is now a member of the editorial board of The Berkshire Eagle. His drawing and writing work have won many journalism awards, and is nationally and internationally syndicated by Tribune Content Agency. Co-Instructor: E.J. Johnson, Amos Lawrence Professor of Art, Emeritus
The Class: Format: afternoons
Limit: 12
Grading: pass/fail only
Requirements/Evaluation: editorial cartoons to be produced for each class meeting for evaluation by the class; final cartoons to be published in The Williams Record
Prerequisites: none
Enrollment Preferences: preference will be given to non-art majors
Materials/Lab Fee: $50
Notes: This course is cross-listed and the prefixes carry the following divisional credit:
ARTH 11 PSCI 11
Attributes: EXPE Experiential Education Courses

Class Grid

Course Catalog Archive Search

TERM/YEAR
TEACHING MODE
SUBJECT
DIVISION



DISTRIBUTION



ENROLLMENT LIMIT
COURSE TYPE
Start Time
End Time
Day(s)