Social Studies Source Analysis (Written Response 2)

The purpose of a Social Studies writing assignment is to give you the opportunity to explore what you
have learned in the unit and apply it to a source. For each source be as detailed as possible to
demonstrate your level of understanding.
● Write as if the reader has never seen the source but be judicious in your explanations - you
don’t want to have extraneous information – that shows a lack of judgment.

Written Response 2 will always have two questions

Write your source analysis paragraphs (1 – 3) based on questions 1

1. What does each of the three sources presented communicate about ____________________

ex. What does each of the three sources presented communicate about the role of globalization in
society

Write your connection paragraphs (1 – 2) based on question 2

2. Considering the sources presented, what do you think should be the role of government in
______________

ex. Considering the sources presented, what you think should be the role of government in responding
to globalization in society?

To complete this task:

• Interpret each source to identify what the source tells you about the role of _____________
• Explain and defend your position on the role of ____________
• Support your interpretations and position by referring to the sources and your understanding of
social studies
 1. This is NOT a personal opinion assignment (all statements must be
supported with social studies knowledge)
2. Analyze the source
3. Show your knowledge on the topic in the source
4. ONE paragraph per source

Type 1 - Cartoon Analysis

• When analyzing a cartoon, you need to be aware that most times, a cartoonist is using irony
and symbolism to get attention to their message (so when you look at the cartoon, you may
want to consider the fact that the cartoonist is being sarcastic). Pay attention to labeling,
common symbols, famous people or events. Focus on what the cartoonist is trying to say, not
just what the characters in the cartoon are saying.

Type 2 - Quote

• The quotes that are often used in Social Studies assignments come from famous speeches – so
when you read the quote, slow down and try to think of what words the author would have
emphasized. Another good tool is to try to find out the author of the quote – is it a philosopher
or politician? If it is, then you need to consider what the ideology of that person is to help you
interpret the source.

Type 3 - Photograph

• When looking at a photograph, it may be difficult to determine what the photographer’s intent
was. Instead, focus on what is going on in the photograph – how can the actions in the
photograph help to explain the key ideas that have been discussed in class. Why was the
photograph taken, and why did educators decide to use this image to help you demonstrate
your understanding of a specific idea or event?

The Describe, Interpret, Link format is a powerful tool for analyzing sources in Social Studies. It helps
you break down complex information into manageable parts and draw meaningful conclusions.

Here's a breakdown of each step:

1. Describe:
• What do you see? Pay close attention to the details of the source, such as:
o Images: colors, symbols, people, objects, and their arrangement.
o Text: words, phrases, and the overall tone and style.
o Layout: how the information is organized.
• What is the main idea? What is the central message or argument?
2. Interpret:
• What does it mean? Analyze the deeper meaning of the source. Consider:
o The author’s perspective: What is their point of view?
o The intended audience: Who is the source trying to reach?
o The historical context: What was happening at the time the source was created?
• What is the significance? Why is this source important? How does it contribute to our
understanding of the topic?

3. Link:
• How does it connect? Connect the source to other information you know. Consider:
o Other sources: How does this source compare to others you have studied?
o Historical events: How does this source relate to specific historical events?
o Themes and concepts: How does this source illustrate broader themes and concepts in
Social Studies?

Another useful tool for source analysis is I.P.A.D.S

I – Issue: what issue / topic is the source addressing?

P – Perspective: what perspective or bias, if any, does the source hold with respect to the issue /
topic?
How do you know? Provide evidence from the source

A – Agree: Who (individual, group, theorist, historical / contemporary figure, etc.) might agree with
or support the perspective of the source and why?
Explain using course concepts and terms. THIS IS NOT YOUR PERSONAL OPINION

D – Disagree: Who (individual, group, theorist, historical / contemporary figure, etc.) might disagree
with or criticize the perspective of the source and why?
Explain using course concepts and terms. THIS IS NOT YOUR PERSONAL OPINION

S – Support: Ensure that in ALL steps you have provided support from course concepts and content,
make sure you are using social studies terminology
What vocabulary and examples can you use?
 DIL IPADS
Describe I - Issue: The image addresses the topic of
This cartoon depicts a giant figure walking globalization and its impact on local economies
through a small town. The figure's foot is so large and cultures.
that it covers a significant portion of the town. Evidence: We can see this through the giant foot
On the foot, the word "GLOBALIZATION" is labeled "Globalization" stepping on a small town.
written. The town appears to be a traditional, The town features local shops and landmarks,
rural area with buildings like a church and a representing traditional ways of life. The
windmill. In contrast, the giant figure represents presence of Coca-Cola logos and a giant shoe
a more modern, globalized world. There are also suggests the influence of multinational
various brand logos like Coca-Cola and Pepsi corporations.
flying in the sky, symbolizing the influence of P - Perspective: The image seems to hold a
multinational corporations. critical perspective on globalization. It portrays
Interpret globalization as a powerful force that can
The cartoonist is likely commenting on the overshadow and potentially harm local cultures
impact of globalization on local communities. and economies.
The giant figure's foot crushing the town Evidence: The giant foot symbolizes the
suggests that globalization can overwhelm and overwhelming power of globalization, while the
overshadow local cultures and traditions. The small town represents the vulnerability of local
presence of multinational brand logos communities. The contrast between the two
emphasizes how globalization can lead to highlights the imbalance of power.
cultural homogenization. The contrast between A - Agree:
the traditional town and the modern figure • Dependency Theory proponents might
highlights the tension between the old and the agree with the image's perspective. They
new. argue that globalization reinforces global
Link inequalities and benefits developed
This cartoon relates to the concept of countries at the expense of developing
globalization, which is the increasing ones.
interconnectedness of different countries and • Anti-globalization activists would also
cultures. It raises questions about the benefits likely support this view, as they often
and drawbacks of globalization. While criticize the negative impacts of
globalization can bring economic opportunities globalization on local communities and
and cultural exchange, it can also lead to the the environment.
erosion of local identities and the dominance of D - Disagree:
Western culture. • Liberal economists might disagree with
Additional Insights the image's perspective. They argue that
• The cartoonist may be arguing that globalization promotes economic growth,
globalization benefits multinational reduces poverty, and increases cultural
corporations at the expense of local exchange.
businesses and communities. • Supporters of free trade would also likely
• The figure's large size could also disagree, as they believe that free trade
symbolize the power and influence of benefits all countries involved.
global forces. S - Support:
• The cartoon may be a critique of • Vocabulary: globalization, multinational
consumerism and the role of advertising corporations, cultural exchange, free
in shaping our desires and choices. trade, economic inequality, dependency
theory.
• Examples: The image could be used to
illustrate the impact of multinational
corporations on local businesses, the
homogenization of cultures through
globalization, or the loss of traditional
ways of life.
Additional Considerations:
• The image could be used to spark
discussions about the benefits and
drawbacks of globalization.
• Students could research specific
examples of globalization's impact on
countries or regions.
• The image could be compared to other
representations of globalization in media
or literature.