How to Cite a Political Cartoon MLA 8
In the realm of academic writing, citing sources is an essential part of the process. This ensures that the reader can verify the information and gives credit to the original creator. When it comes to citing political cartoons, the Modern Language Association (MLA) 8th edition provides specific guidelines to follow. This article will outline the steps to correctly cite a political cartoon in MLA 8 format.
Firstly, it is crucial to gather all the necessary information about the cartoon. This includes the artist’s name, the title of the cartoon, the date it was published, the name of the newspaper or publication, and the URL where the cartoon can be found online. If the cartoon is found in a physical copy, note the page number and the issue date.
The basic format for citing a political cartoon in MLA 8 is as follows:
Artist’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Cartoon.” Title of the Publication, Date of Publication, Page Number. URL or Print Source.
For example, if you were to cite a political cartoon by David Shrigley, published in The Guardian on January 10, 2020, you would write:
Shrigley, David. “Title of the Cartoon.” The Guardian, 10 Jan. 2020, p. 8. www.theguardian.com.
However, there are certain cases where additional information is required. Here are some guidelines to consider:
1. If the cartoon is published in a newspaper, include the name of the newspaper, the date, and the page number.
2. If the cartoon is published online, include the URL where the cartoon can be found.
3. If the cartoon is part of a collection or exhibition, include the name of the collection or exhibition and the date it was displayed.
4. If the cartoon is not attributed to a specific artist, use “Anonymous” as the author’s name.
Remember that MLA 8 formatting can vary depending on the source of the cartoon. For instance, if the cartoon is found in a database, follow the specific guidelines provided by the database.
In conclusion, citing a political cartoon in MLA 8 format involves gathering the necessary information and following the basic citation structure. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your citation is accurate and provides proper credit to the original creator.
