“Defining Art – Past and Present”
This assignment reinforces the concepts from Discussion #1 to build on a more comprehensive approach to understanding the definitions of art. This is an important activity that enables you to research a written concept (the definitions of art), visualize this concept (find an artwork), and then present your findings in a professional manner (written paper).
Task:
1. Read sections 1.3.1 Historic Development of the Idea of Art and 1.8 Key Concepts from Unit 1 and reference these when describing images.
2. Draft a paper in MLA format with a minimum of 500 words and 5 inserted images.
3. In your paper, briefly describe each of the five definitions of art from Unit 1 (Mimesis, Communication, Significant Form, Artworld/Institutional, Mind into the World). Indicate a strength and a weakness of each definition.
4. Using the Definitions of Art: Definitions and Examples page as a starting point, research other artists and artworks to use for your visual examples. You may use artists from the page suggested, but don’t use the specific artworks mentioned as your examples.
5. Give a brief biography of each artist and a description (title, date, medium) of the artwork you present, as well as an explanation of how the artwork meets the criteria for each definition of art.
6. Cite your sources and include a Works Cited/Bibliography page in MLA format.
7. Save your paper as a PDF and submit it to the assignment folder by the deadline.
Use the Purdue Owl site and this Sample MLA paper to assist you with formatting. Also reference this link for guidance in how to insert images in MLA formatting.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_tables_figures_and_examples.html
Wikipedia, Dictionaries, and Encyclopedias are considered open source or collective edited sources and should NOT be used in your paper. Use signed sources from named authors. Proofread your paper carefully at least twice before you submit, correcting any errors in spelling, grammar or syntax and revising where your writing is unclear or needs further explanation.
For best results, leave enough time to submit your paper to the “Free Tutoring” link for feedback before the deadline.
File submissions: Submit your file as a PDF file.
Criteria on which you will be graded for both options:
• Your photo essay or paper is original, clearly written, and covers the elements listed above. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
• Your accurate use of Key Terms and definitions from the text.
• The depth of your research and your sources listed (no Wikipedia, encyclopedias, or dictionaries – museums will have good information and many artists will have their own websites).
• Your thoughtful/insightful analysis of either the images you photographed or the artworks you used as definition examples.
• Your photo essay or paper meets the minimum slide/word/image count and any MLA format requirements.
This activity may use a different grading rubric than what was used in past activities. Be sure to check the grading rubric before starting.
