Level: Grades 5 to 7

Overview

This lesson and all associated documents (handouts, overheads, backgrounders) is available in an easy-print, pdf kit version.  To open the lesson kit for printing, click here.  To print only this page, use the "printable version" link at the top of the page.

In this lesson, students look at how male and female characters are depicted in comic books. Using a Comic Book Analysis sheet, students will record the attributes of male and female comic book characters. As a class, students will record common attributes on a master sheet and discuss what messages about men and women are reinforced. In groups, students will be asked to design and create a non-stereotypical comic book character.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• recognize that the media construct reality
• understand that the representations made by the media are not always accurate
• understand how their own gender perceptions are affected by the media

Preparation and Materials 

• Have students bring in an assortment of comic books. (Make sure there is at least one comic for every two students.)
• Photocopy Comic Book Analysis Sheet. Make an overhead master-sheet
• Read the Teaching Backgrounder: Stereotypes

The Lesson 

• Have students read a comic with a partner and jot down answers to the questions on the Comic Book Analysis Sheet.
• Mount your Comic Book Analysis Sheet master sheet on the overhead and have students choose a male and a female character from their sheets to add to it.

As a class, share and discuss ideas and observations. Referring to the overhead, ask:  

• Are there any similarities shared by female characters? (e.g., are many of them 'victims' who need saving? are many of them described or drawn as 'sexy'?)
• Are there any similarities shared by male characters? (e.g., are many of them involved in 'heroic' activities? Are many of them described as 'tough' or 'strong'?)
• What is missing in the portrayal of men and women in these comic books? (Strong, heroic women? Peaceful, sensitive men?)
• What is the message about men and women that you get from these comic books?
• Speaking as a boy or a girl, how do these comic books make you feel?

Activity

Divide class into groups of boys and girls. Ask the groups of girls to create a non-stereotypical female comic book character and the boys to create a non-stereotypical male comic book character. 

• Draw or paint a picture of your character
• Identify what your character does
• List the words that you would use to describe your character

Have students present their new character to the class.

Evaluation  

• Analysis Sheets
• Comic Book Character Presentation