Category: Art : Art History

Look at the topic and provide a clear thesis I don’t really want you to change much but just make it more effective and logical.

QUESTION 1
Choose a single work of art from one of the following PowerPoint presentations to write on: Early Christian Art & Architecture, Byzantine Art & Architecture, Islamic Art & Architecture, Early Medieval Art, Romanesque Art & Architecture, and Gothic Art & Architecture.  Note: your image must come from one of the PowerPoints listed above. It has to be something we looked at in class.You may choose a building or something else architectural, (e.g., a Romanesque portal), a painting (including mosaics or stained glass), a manuscript, or a sculpture.In your essay, discuss each of these three prompts:-  Why did you choose this work? (Why did it appeal to you? What impressed you about it?)-  Why was this work created and what is its significance? How does it reflect the time period and/or civilization that created it?- Can you think of a counterpart in today’s world?YOUR RESPONSE MUST BE IN YOUR OWN WORDS !!
QUESTION 2
Choose ONE of the comparisons to write on: 1) The Last Judgement tympanum from Chartres cathedral compared to that of the Cathedral of Lazare, Autun2) Two domes: one from the Hall of Two Sisters, Alhambra, Spain (Islamic) and the other from Hagia Sophia, Istanbul (Byzantine). How do the building methods/design differ? How does each religion’s attitude twoard depicting the spiritual determine these differences? Be as specific as you can and make sure you include the appropriate vocabulary words (muqarnas, pendentives, etc) in a way which demonstrates your understanding of them.YOUR RESPONSE MUST BE IN YOUR OWN WORDS, regardless of which comparison you choose !!
QUESTION 3
Choose ONE of these essays to answer:                You may not use images that depict the Virgin and Child (Mary with the baby Jesus). You must find other images of Jesus.
What are the essential differences between the Romanesque Pilgrimage church and the Gothic Cathedral, and what accounts for these differences? Begin by describing the characteristics of each including such things as primary purpose, layout/plan, vaulting systems, arch type, decoration, elevation, etc. How do these architectural developments reflect the main goals of each period?How has the portrayal of the adult (or adolescent,) Jesus Christ changed over the centuries? Choose an Early Christian, a Byzantine, an Early Medieval, a Romanesque and a Gothic example. Describe these examples in terms of style, special emphasis and its relation to the time in which it was made, and intent.  

Research on the hellenistic mosaic art
Must include:
Proper Heading
Introduction Paragraph w/Thesis Statement
Body paragraph that provides supporting evidence
Conclusion
Citations (MLA, Chicago, APA)
Bibliography/Works Cited Page

In this class, we have explored different ways of framing concepts of political practice. We have read broadly about different questions of what constitutes political work, who its audiences are, and what its imagined outcomes are. We have focused this inquiry on different forms with modules on fine arts, design, and film. Rather than reading about specific politics or works, for the most part we have read more theoretically and then applied these ideas to different works through weekly handouts and in-class writing at the end of modules.
Paper:
25% Clearly defines the student’s conception of political practice in ways that are rooted within the class. Individual papers reference at least 5 readings (Attached below as annotations). Readings are shown to clearly impact and structure the student’s own argument about political practice.
25% Paper shows evidence of research on the artwork (The Letter Heh by Omar El-Nagdi, attached below). The student discusses the specific work, and clearly applies their argument to the work.
30% Paper shows critical thinking about political practice and the application of theory to art by synthesizing the work of the semester.
20% Writing skills: This is a polished paper that has been edited for clarity, grammar, and typos. It is written as a paper with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. There is a clear thesis in the introduction that is then rigorously and systematically over the course of the paper. All outside source are rigorously cited and in own words.

In this class, we have explored different ways of framing concepts of political practice. We have read broadly about different questions of what constitutes political work, who its audiences are, and what its imagined outcomes are. We have focused this inquiry on different forms with modules on fine arts, design, and film. Rather than reading about specific politics or works, for the most part we have read more theoretically and then applied these ideas to different works through weekly handouts and in-class writing at the end of modules.
Paper:
25% Clearly defines the student’s conception of political practice in ways that are rooted within the class. Individual papers reference at least 5 readings (Attached below as annotations). Readings are shown to clearly impact and structure the student’s own argument about political practice.
25% Paper shows evidence of research on the artwork (The Letter Heh by Omar El-Nagdi, attached below). The student discusses the specific work, and clearly applies their argument to the work.
30% Paper shows critical thinking about political practice and the application of theory to art by synthesizing the work of the semester.
20% Writing skills: This is a polished paper that has been edited for clarity, grammar, and typos. It is written as a paper with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. There is a clear thesis in the introduction that is then rigorously and systematically over the course of the paper. All outside source are rigorously cited and in own words.

Research Paper
Global Movements of the 21st Century
                                                                                                   
Description
The 21st century has witnessed a number of cultural, political, ecological, and social movements. These movements have various impacts on almost every design domain. Contemporary designers have been occasionally inspired by these movements just like their predecessors in the 20th century. Your task is to explore one of the 21st global or local movements and understand how art/design enhanced the movement or vice versa. As we approach the 3rd decade of the 21st century, understanding dynamics and challenges of this era becomes a must in order to stay relevant and responsive to current trends and global issues. With your knowledge about historical movements of the modern era, you can certainly build an understanding of the mutual relationship between art/design and these contemporary movements.
 
The research paper should include the following components:
Introduction section that provides a sufficient background about the topic. In this section, you need to provide a concise description about the selected movement and how it originated. You should also provide the reader with a thesis statement at the end of your introduction. A thesis statement is an overview of the main contents of the literature review or your paper in general. In other words, a thesis statement is a road map that guides the reader through your research.
Body Section, comprising paragraphs that may be subdivided into multiple subsections. This component of the task entails synthesizing information obtained from credible sources (at least four sources).
Conclusion, summarizing the key points of your research and offering your personal reflections on the topic. You should express your thoughts as specifically as possible by referring to possible applications within a specific cultural or geographical context.
 
Deliverables
Draft 1 & 2 (ungraded) to show your progress.
Research paper (60 points): this should be at least 1000 words in length (excluding the bibliography and cover page). This should be submitted as a Google document on Google drive and as a Word document on Canvas.
PowerPoint and Oral Presentation in Class (20 points): Each student is required to deliver their research findings in person to the entire class and participate in all presentations. Active engagement with all presentations is expected. Please note that Zoom presentations will not be accepted, so plan accordingly. Ensure that your PowerPoint slides are submitted to both Google Drive and Canvas.
 
Due Dates
Draft 1, a 200-word overview of the topic, is expected by Tuesday, March 28 at 9:30am.
Draft 2 of a 500-word narrative outlining the topic, main points, and sources for discussion is expected by Thursday, April 18 at 9:30am.
Research paper and PowerPoint presentation are due by Tuesday, April 30 at 9:30 am.
 
Learning Objectives
Students understand that human and environmental conditions vary according to geographic location and impact design and construction decisions.
Students are able to effectively express ideas and their rationale in written communication.
Students understand the basic context and framework of history as it relates to interior design.
Students understand the basic context and framework of history as it relates to furniture, decorative arts, and material culture.
Students understand the basic context and framework of history as it relates to architecture.
Students understand the basic context and framework of history as it relates to art.
Students understand the social, political, and physical influences affecting historical changes in design of the built environment
 
Grading Criteria for the Paper
Contents (50%): Did you choose valuable data? Did you synthesize your narrative coherently, logically, and legibly? Did you include relevant historical facts? Is your paper informative and clear for designers and non-designers to comprehend?
Structure (10%): Did you organize your paper into sections (i.e. introduction, body, and conclusion)?
Conclusions (10%): Did you draw relevant conclusions? Did you provide the reader with some guidance on how to use the information in your paper?
Format (10%): Did you follow MLA format?
Citations (10%): Did you include all required in-text citations? Did you add a bibliography page?
Quality of submission (10%): Is the overall quality of submission neat and representative? Did you label each section clearly? Did you add a cover page?

Pick two art pieces of the same media (example: two sculptures, two paintings, two ceramics, two architectural structures, etc) that interest you from any culture and time period from Mesoamerica and Andean cultures until the year 1521. Please choose something that you have a high level of interest in. You will then break the assignment down into the following sections. Read below for a detailed description of each section and what needs to be included in each section. Each section can be more than one paragraph if you want or need. Please note that you have to use Chicago Manual Citation style to cite and use footnotes for all information you get from outside sources.
 
What to include in your paper:
Title Page
Introduction
Visual Analysis
Conclusion
Illustration page
Bibliography
 
Requirements of the Paper: 
Length of paper: 5 pages of writing. Title, Illustrations, and Bibliography pages are in addition to the 5 pages of writing.  
At least 5 scholarly sources
Chicago Manual Citation 
Times New Roman in 12-point font, double spaced
Margins no more than 1” (all sides)
Name, instructor name, course title, word count, and date on the title page
 
Paper Organization:
1. Title page: Name, instructor name, course title, word count, and date
2. Introduction- 
Start by introducing the art piece. Title, Artist, date. 
Short background of topic and pieces.
Thesis statement. (example: This paper will focus on the study of …) 
3. Visual Analysis- 
              1. Describe the artwork 
               2. Pretend you are trying to explain the work to a friend who has never seen it before. Be as thorough as you can. 
4. Compare and Contrast- 
How are the two works similar or different? Use the visual analysis descriptions as examples to do the compare and contrast. 
Find at least five academic sources from the library database about your art pieces. Peer reviewed articles work the best. 
Use information and the arguments from the articles to help you compare and contrast the two art pieces. What have others said and provided evidence for? Does that fit into your argument? 
5. Conclusion-
Restate your thesis statement.
Restate the highlights of your paper and your main points.  
 
6. Illustrations
Include the image of art work discussed in the paper with a label to show at least the title, artist, and date. One image per page.
 
7. Bibliography 
         1. Cite the publications for all the information you gathered from your sources and used in your paper. Use Chicago Manual Citation style to do this.
The example of works I’ve researched can be found in this bibliography I’ve made are examples of souces.
Bibliography
Bernard, Henri Noel, Sara Ladrón de Guevara, Mayra Manrique, and José Luis Ruvalcaba. “New Approaches to Jadeite Usage in Formative Mesoamerica.” MEXICAN VILLAGES (2022): 108.
Miller, Mary Ellen. Art of Mesoamerica: From Olmec to Aztec (World of Art). Thames & Hudson, 2019.
Pool, Christopher. Olmec archaeology and early Mesoamerica. Cambridge University Press, 2007.
Tate, Carolyn E. “The Colossal Fetuses of La Venta and Mesoamerica’s Earliest Creation Story.” Imagining the Fetus: The Unborn in Myth, Religion, and Culture (2009): 223-258.
Scheper, George L. “The Olmec World–or the “Formative Era Ceremonial Complex”.” 2014: 14-15.

In addition to your art piece, you most also define what you have drawn inspiration from, defend what you have created and why, and explain the process of how you went about creating your art piece. Thus, along with your art piece, write a short essay (400-800 words) that:
Describes what was your source of interest/inspiration from the course,
Discusses why it was your source of interest/inspiration – what drew your interest to this art movement, medium, etc., and
Defines how you reinvented, recreated, or re-interpreted your inspiration. Describe why and how you choose to do what you did in your art piece.

Various theologians of the Middle Ages, both in the east and the west, debated the role or use of
images in religious worship. Some of these debates are represented by the readings listed below
(posted on Blackboard); these consist of excerpts from texts by Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Minucius
Felix, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, St. Gregory the Great, and others. These texts date from the
2nd through the 9th centuries and represent the main arguments for and against images in the early
medieval period. (As indicated in the syllabus, you will read these texts first in preparation for
writing a reading summary due on Thursday, March 28 and an in-class debate on Tuesday, April
Based on these arguments concerning images, write a 5-6 page essay. Your essay should consist
of two roughly equal parts: (I) a summary of the key positions for and against images and (II) a
discussion of one or two arguments with which you agree most strongly. In the first part of your
paper, do not attempt to summarize every writer’s ideas but strive to group similar arguments
together, demonstrating how one idea leads to another or are connected. In the second part, expand
on the arguments you find most compelling and convincing – Why are you convinced by these
arguments? Conclude by discussing how you think art is or is not useful and/or necessary to the
practice of religion. Be very specific in your argument by using concrete examples to illustrate
your position. Feel free to offer examples from any religious tradition, as well as from your own
personal experience.
Compose your essay carefully with an introduction previewing your hypothesis, good paragraph
structure, logical argumentation, and a title that sums up your viewpoint. Proofread for grammar
and spelling! You must cite your sources in footnotes

curatorial statement in which you’ll outline your personal contribution to the group project and also discuss how you narrowed the theme and objects chosen for the exhibition. Though your group’s presentation was a collective effort, in this assignment, you’ll reflect on your personal interpretation of the project and why you really wanted to show some objects versus others. Your curatorial statement will be written in an academic fashion with citations and references to the museum collections and websites. The reason you picked the type of African artworks for your exhibition? Was it because of the subject/theme the artworks essayed or was it because of the color, material, vibrancy, and scale of the work? What was the appeal in selecting these pieces? How did you want the works to be shown? Why did you choose a mirror as background or decided to have spotlights on some objects? What exhibiting choices you felt that you cannot do with some of these objects. For instance, why did you want something on a pedestal vs inside a glass vitrine? How did you divide or group the objects into different exhibition spaces or rooms? Also, briefly discuss why it was important for you to showcase the exhibition at the location that you chose? And try to ask if the location where the African artworks are to be exhibited do justice to African artworks or will African artworks again been seen as fetish or touristic items? Feedback i got on the presentation: How will you create three different galleries thematically. The first focused more on gender, so what’ll be the following gallery and how will you put these two sections in conversation with each other such that it flows seamlessly. Also, maybe not a good idea to mount a chair on a wall, so rethink some of these strategies. I want you to consider this while crafting your assignment. Finally discuss the impact that you want the exhibition to have on the visitors and how the exhibition can be educational and informative in ways that it debunks prevalent notions of African art as primitive, unaesthetic, and lacking creative qualities? I will attach the art works I talked about. Mention how we split the work into three rooms, so each student was in charge of curating and talking about a room that consists of five art works.