Posted: March 3rd, 2014

The definition of ‘art’ has shifted and changed over time and across cultures.”

 

There are two parts to this assignment. The first section of the requirements, followed by the first part of the paper, then the second part of this paper. The FIRST part of the paper is due by MARCH 19^th, the SECOND part is due by: MARCH 26th

 

THE REQUIRED BOOK IS: Getlein, Mark. Living with Art, 9th Edition., New York: McGraw-Hill.

 

Your assignment is to write a 4-6-page paper (@1250-1800 words) on one of the following topics. You are expected to cite at least three sources (outside of the course text) in supporting your thesis on your chosen topic. (Wikipedia may be used, but will not be considered one of your three sources).

 

Please follow these Guidelines:

 

• Double-space the paper, using Times New Roman font in 12-point.
• Use MLA formatting and documentation style.
• Cite correctly. Put all copied words, phrases, sentences, etc. in quotation marks and cite all paraphrased words, ideas, and arguments correctly.
• Include examples of art works to support your analysis. (Feel free to include illustrations in your paper.)
• Use the art vocabulary from Chapters 4 and 5 to describe the art works
• Use originality in your thinking, analysis and selection of art works
• Review the Power Point “How to Write a Comparison” and announcements: “How to Cite Correctly” and “Just What is a Thesis Anyway?”.
• Please use Microsoft Word or software compatible with MS Word to save your document.
• Upload the file in the DROPBOX marked “Research Paper.”
• Name your document: last name_ first name_ title.doc; i.e. Smith_Mary_Art in Time.doc

 

Choose from the following topics:

 

1. Write an essay that addresses this statement: “The definition of ‘art’ has shifted and changed over time and across cultures.” Refer to specific works of art, artists, styles, conventions, and/or movements that serve as examples to support your agreement or disagreement with this statement.
2. Define and discuss the terms “abstraction,” “representational,” and “nonrepresentational” in relation to two works of art per term. Make sure that the works you discuss for each term were created either in two different centuries or in two different cultures.
3. First, discuss the traditional arts and the historical attitude toward art of one of these cultures: India, China, or Japan. Second, explain when and how the culture came into contact with other cultures—especially Western cultures—and the results of that contact on both. (Note: you must do both parts here. This is NOT merely a chronological survey of the culture you select. )
4. Identify, compare and contrast three artists from different centuries who have used their art to comment on social or political issues, citing specific works in support of your selections. Comment on the reasons that you feel these artists have succeeded or failed in producing recognition or change through their art.
5. Referring to specific works and/or artists, compare and contrast at least three varying interpretations of the human body from prehistory to the present. Include the attitudes towards the human body in each culture. Describe the impact of the different artists’ styles and representations of the body and identify the artists or work that you consider most interesting or compelling and explain why you think so.
6. Discuss the influence of African art on European and American art from the 19th century through the present, citing specific works, artists, styles, or movements that have been influential.
7. Compare and contrast the themes, purposes, media, and styles of the arts of any Native American and/or Mesoamerican cultures with another culture outside of North and South America, that we have studied.
8. Discuss the influence of photography on the art of the late 19th and 20th centuries, citing specific uses of photography. Discuss the shifting and sharing of the functions and purposes of art by painting, drawing, and photography. Include the impact of photography on painting.
9. Discuss, compare and contrast at least five technological advances, occurring in at least five different centuries, which have changed the media and/or purposes of art in major ways.
10. List and discuss at least five themes of art, identifying and describing two examples of works (from different centuries or cultures) that relate to each theme. Look for original and provocative examples of each theme, and compare and contrast each pair.

 

Your paper should be clearly and carefully written. You must be correct on points of content, but points will also be taken off for grammatical errors, incorrect documentation and citation style, careless errors, awkward phrasing, poor sentence construction, and illogical or confusing organization. A paper of this length might benefit from being divided into subsections.

 

As noted above, papers should be double-spaced and follow MLA documentation formatting and style. All quoted, paraphrased, or summarized material must be cited, both within the text of the paper (parenthetical citations) and on a works-cited page or list of references. Don’t forget to include a running header with your name and page numbers. Consult a reputable style guide, such as the Little, Brown Compact Handbook by Jane E. Aaron, for help on writing style, correct grammar, and documentation guidelines.

 

Research Paper Notes

 

In writing your essay, keep in mind three key elements: Structure, Content, and Language

 

These are the three ways in which your essay will be evaluated.

 

Structure

 

The structure of the paper is guided by the thesis statement, which should appear at the end of your first paragraph. Do not make the reader search for your thesis. Think of the introductory paragraph as starting and warming up your car. It is necessary, but it doesn’t actually take you anywhere. Think of the thesis at the end as putting your car in gear. The thesis gives your paper its direction. There is an important difference between a thesis and a topic, which you must realize before writing. The topic is the subject you will be writing about; the thesis is what you will show to be true in the course of your paper. Develop your thesis by thinking about how you want to answer the question or questions raised in the topics listed above: the position you take or the answer you believe to be true forms your thesis.

 

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In structuring your paper, remember the analogy with going somewhere in your car. Most of the time should be spent on the trip itself. That is, the body of your paper should be much longer than either the introductory paragraph or the conclusion. Every “turn” you make in the paper should be a new paragraph. Give your paper plenty of “fuel” (evidence, reasoning, quotation) to make it through each paragraph. Make sure that each paragraph contributes to reaching your destination.

 

The final paragraph should be your conclusion. The conclusion is like stopping the car and parking it. It doesn’t take long, but it is absolutely necessary. In your conclusion, confirm that you have reached your destination and how you got there. You might also want to briefly touch on some other implications or issues which you didn’t have time to discuss in the paper (places you’d like to go that are along that same direction, but don’t have time to explore at this point).

 

Content

 

The second element of a good essay is the content. No matter how well-structured and well-written your paper might be, if you don’t have the content, this is not a good paper. First consider whether you have answered all the questions stated in the assigned topic. This is a very important consideration. Second, be sure that all the content in your paper contributes to reaching your destination. You don’t want any wasted space. Most importantly, make sure that you prove your point, and that you show mastery of the readings (textbook, Web resources, threaded discussions) in your paper. Define all technical terms, and make sure that you support all your points. Give reasons, evidence, quotations, and illustrations, and concrete examples to make your points perfectly clear and justified.

 

Language

 

The way you use the English language is fundamental to the quality of your paper. It reflects your education, the clarity and complexity of your thinking, and the care you have taken in constructing your argument or exposition. Think of words as tools. You want the right tool for the job, but use the ones you are comfortable using. Try to strike a balance between words that are too technical for you to use comfortably and words that are too colloquial (too much like the language you use in speaking) to do the job of conveying the complexity of your meaning. If you use a technical word, be sure to define it. If you use a quotation, keep in mind that no quotation ever stands on its own. You must explain why you are using the quotation, and what it means to you.

 

Always cite your sources! This is very important. Whenever you are using three or more words taken from someone other than yourself, you must tell the reader where you found those words. If it is a Web page, you must cite both the URL and the date you located it at that URL. If it is the textbook, give the author’s name and page number where the quotation is located in parentheses after the quotation. Merely changing a few words or the order of another author’s words does not constitute a legitimate paraphrase: you must re-state the author’s meaning in your own words. In cases of paraphrase, you must still cite your sources. The ideas or even the order of exposition are not entirely your own, so you must attribute them to their proper source.

 

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Always proofread for typographical errors. It is a good idea to read your paper aloud to see if you are using any sentence constructions which do not make sense, if you are switching tenses or voices in mid-paragraph, etc. It is an even better idea to share your paper with others to see if they can help you. If you know that you have trouble with grammar or spelling, review your work carefully before you submit your paper. Your writing represents your effort at communicating not just the ideas in your mind, but also your considered opinion—what you really think. Sloppy writing will generally be construed as reflecting sloppy thinking. Be careful to let your words represent your best thoughts as well as possible.

 

Final Research Paper: Part 1

 

The Research Paper assignment is divided into two parts: the overall assignment is to write a 4-6-page paper (@1250-1800 words) on one from a list of topics (please see “Final Paper: Part 2” for the entire list of acceptable topics). You are expected to cite at least three sources (outside of the course text) in supporting your thesis on your chosen topic. Please double-space the paper, using Times New Roman font in 12-point. Please use MLA formatting and documentation style. Be sure to put all copied words, phrases, sentences, etc. in quotation marks and cite all paraphrased words, ideas, and arguments. Feel free to include illustrations in your paper.

 

Part 1 of the Final Research paper consists of the following THREE items, which are required for satisfactory completion of this assignment:

 

1. Your introductory paragraph. This should begin with a “hook,” introduce your topic, and include your thesis statement. Also, don’t forget to come up with an original, creative, meaninful title. Avoid simply repeating the name of the assignment as the title of your paper.
2. A a list of possible sources. This may change as you continue your research.
3. A one-page outline of your paper. This should indicate how you will break down your topic and how you intend to support your thesis.

 

Please see the two sample Final Papers Part 1 included here below. (Note, some of the formatting has been lost. Check correct outline form online. Also see “Topics & Guidelines” for more information.

 

Note: Please use Microsoft Word or software compatible with MS Word to save your document

 

 

 

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Two examples of Final Paper Part 1

 

Example 1: Strengths of this example: This student has a clear idea of the thesis and repeats in intro to outline, includes what concepts will be discussed in the outline and includes specifics in the conclusion. This would be even stronger if specific works of art were also included in the outline.

 

Student 1 Name

 

Date of class

 

ART – 100 Introduction to Art History

 

Unit 2 Research Paper: Part One

 

 

 

1.  Write an essay that addresses this statement: “The definition of ‘art’ has shifted and changed over time and across cultures.”  Refer to specific works of art, artists, styles, conventions, and/or movements that serve as examples to support your agreement or disagreement with this statement.

 

 

 

Introduction

 

There are varying degrees and definitions of the term “art.”  It is a word that embodies culture, history, creativity, and spans generations of people and miles of geography.  “Art” is a concept, not just a word.  Art is a way of life and a way of looking at the world with an open mind and a creative attitude.  To give such a broad concept an actual literary definition is limiting its meaning and not allowing “art” to move freely through genres and throughout the world.  “Art” can be anything from a child’s drawing on a parent’s refrigerator to a college art student’s final project to a historical piece in a museum.  To truly study and examine the definition of art, we need to explore the history and development of various cultures and apply these concepts to a more well-rounded meaning of what art actually embodies.

 

 

 

List of possible sources:

 

1.  http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ – The Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History from the Metropolitan Museum of Art
2. http://www.huntfor.com/arthistory/- Art History Movements
3. http://ardictionary.com/Art/8944 – Definition : Art (Meaning of Art)

 

Outline

 

I intend on utilizing the above mentioned sources in an attempt to further study the definition of art and how it has changed across periods of time and spaces of land.  Our text book will also be utilized as a source, (Living with Art – 8^th Edition by Mark Getlein).

 

I will support my thesis (To truly study and examine the definition of art, we need to explore the history and development of various cultures and apply these concepts to a more well-rounded meaning of what art actually embodies.) by drawing upon my research and readings in an effort to discuss the way the definition of art has altered throughout history.

 

I.                     Introduction

 

A.      Personal view of how the concept and definition of art has changed

 

B.      Discussion of ways that art has changed and how studying that change is essential to learning what art really is.

 

II.                 Body of Paper

 

A.      Examples of how art has changed throughout time.

 

i.      Possible reference of Metropolitan Museum timeline.

 

ii.      Support from textbook about different periods of Art.

 

B.      Various meanings of “art”

 

i.      Website research

 

ii.      Dictionary definition

 

iii.      Art historians perspectives

 

C.      Cultural Concepts of Art

 

i.      How art changes across the world.

 

ii.      Major themes of art in different countries.

 

III.               Conclusion

 

A.      Bring thesis to light by validation of major themes discussed in paper.

 

B.      Conclude research by reinstating major ideas and their significance.

 

 

 

 

 

Example 2: Strengths of this example include what concepts are covered in each part of the outline and art examples to be used. This student began each section with a quotation which is an original addition, but not required.

 

My suggestions to this student included how the conclusion might become more interesting:

 

“While researching this and reflecting upon it, see if you come to any interesting conclusions of your own about how these 3 approaches to art compare.”

 

 

 

 

[Student name]

 

[date]

 

[Title of paper]

 

 

 

“Works of art, in my opinion, are the only objects in the material universe to possess internal order, and that is why, though I don’t believe that only art matters, I do believe in Art for Art’s sake.”         E. M. ForsterBritish novelist (1879 – 1970) (Resourse of Art Quotations The Painter’s Keys)

 

 

 

It is the purpose of this paper to explore the terms, “Abstraction”, “Representational” and “Non-Representational” as they occur in art history.  They will be examined in not only definitional terms, but in relationship to paintings by artists from differing cultures and over centuries of time.  The terms are not absolute in value, but like the artwork within these categories, are dynamic and at times intersect and overlap.   Throughout history, artists have been influenced by the culture, political attitudes and religious attitudes of the times and, as expected, these influences are directly reflected in the artwork that will be examined in terms of the above mentioned terminology.

 

 

 

I.     Representational Art

 

A)  Quotation:  “It is the special privilege of the fine artist to reveal immediate data with clarity,   intensity and purity that promotes them to special degree of reality.”                                                                                                                                                                         -Alton S. Tobey

 

B)  Definition of term

 

C)  Examination of Artwork in relationship to term:

 

1) Paul Cezanne, “Apples, Peaches Pears and Grapes” 1879-80

 

2)  Sofonisba Anguissola, “Portrait of Amilcare, Minerva, and Asdrubale Anguissola”

 

II.            Non-Representational Art

 

A)     Quotation:  “The painting has a life of its own.  I try to let it come through”-Jackson Pollock

 

B)      Definition of terms including relationship to Abstract Art

 

C)      Examination of Artwork in relationship to term:

 

1) Jackson Pollock, “Shimmering Substances” 1946

 

2) Pat Steir, “Summer Moon” 2005

 

 

 

III.           Abstraction in Art:

 

A)     Quotation- “There is no abstract art.  You must always start with something.  Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.”- Pablo Picasso

 

 

 

B)      Definition of term

 

C)      Examination of Artwork in relationship to term:

 

1) Wassily Kandinsky  “Painting with Troika” 1911

 

2) Edvard Munch “The Scream” 1893

 

IV.          Conclusion:  Comparison and contrast of how : these terms are not absolute in value, but like the artwork within these categories, are dynamic and at times intersect and overlap.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

 

(n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: http://www.mfa.org

 

Abstract vs. Non Representational Art. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17th, 2009, from Humanities Web: http://www.humanitiesweb.org

 

Art Institute of Chicago. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from http://www.artic.edu

 

Art Quotes. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from http://artquotes.net

 

Getlein, M. (2008). Living With Art, Eight Edition. New York, NY: McGraw Hill .

 

Hahn, H. (n.d.). Understanding Abstract Art. Retrieved February 17, 2009, from Harley Hahn Art Center: http:www.harley.com

 

New World Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org

 

Representational Art: Realistic Style of Painting. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from Encyclopedia of Irish & World Art: http://www.vivall-arts-cork.com

 

Resourse of Art Quotations The Painter’s Keys. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from The Painter’s Keys: http://quote.robertgenn.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research Paper: Part 2 (Final Draft)

 

Final Research Paper: Part 2

 

Turn in the final draft of your 4-6-page paper (@1250-1800 words) on one of the following topics. You are expected to cite at least three sources (outside of the course text) in supporting your thesis on your chosen topic. Please double-space the paper, using Times New Roman font in 12-point. You may use either MLA or APA formatting and documentation style. Be sure to put all copied words, phrases, sentences, etc. in quotation marks and cite all paraphrased words, ideas, and arguments. Feel free to include illustrations in your paper.

 

Be sure to read through the Guidelines (click on “Research Paper: Topics & Guidelines” below) for tips on writing the paper.

 

Choose from the following topics:

 

1. Write an essay that addresses this statement: “The definition of ‘art’ has shifted and changed over time and across cultures.” Refer to specific works of art, artists, styles, conventions, and/or movements that serve as examples to support your agreement or disagreement with this statement.
2. Define and discuss the terms “abstraction,” “representational,” and “nonrepresentational” in relation to two works of art per term. Make sure that the works you discuss for each term were created either in two different centuries or in two different cultures.
3. Discuss the traditional arts and the historical attitude toward art of one of these cultures: India, China, or Japan. Explain when and how the culture came into contact with other cultures—especially Western cultures—and the results of that contact on both.
4. Identify three artists from different centuries who have used their art to comment on social or political issues, citing specific works in support of your selections. Comment on the reasons that you feel these artists have succeeded or failed in producing recognition or change through their art.
5. Referring to specific works and/or artists, discuss at least five varying interpretations of the human body from prehistory to the present. Describe the impact of the different artists’ styles and representations of the body and identify the artists or work that you consider most interesting or compelling and explain why you think so.
6. Discuss the influence of African art on European and American art from the 19th century through the present, citing specific works, artists, styles, or movements that have been influential.
7. Compare and contrast the themes, purposes, media, and styles of the arts of any two Native American and/or Mesoamerican cultures.
8. Discuss the influence of photography on the art of the late 19th and 20th centuries, citing specific uses of photography. Discuss the shifting and sharing of the functions and purposes of art by painting, drawing, and photography.
9. Discuss at least five technological advances, occurring in at least five different centuries, which have changed the media and/or purposes of art in major ways.
10. List and discuss at least five themes of art, identifying and describing two examples of works (from different centuries or cultures) that relate to each theme.

 

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