Movements in Western Culture

Considering three major movements in Western Culture (Realist, Modern, Post-Modern), discuss and cite your reasons for what you consider to be the most significantBcontributions in Art, as they have impacted and influenced our contemporary times.(you may choose ONE work: Painting, Literature, Architecture, or Music from EACH period: Realist, Modern, Post-Modern).

By “most significant” I want to know why and how you think these works have advanced Human creativity, understanding, social/political vision and culture in our times. Did they bring new insights or truths about the human condition? Did they foster a new way of thinking, or outlook? Did they initiate new forms and break conventions through innovation? Were they “revolutionary” in positive and/or negative ways as we look back from today’s perspective on them?

Your organization might follow this:

  • Thesis Statement–Briefly stating your selections and focus on why they are the most significant (try to define what you mean by “significant”–see above).
  • Body Paragraphs
  • Realist (1865–1914):
  • Work (Twain’s “Huck Finn”–Lit.) discussion and demonstration/rationale for selection
  • Modern (1914–1945):
  • Work (Stravinsky’s “Rites of Spring”–Music) discussion and demonstration/rationale for selection
  • Post-Modern (1945–2000):
  • Work (Warhol’s “Marilyn”–Painting ) discussion and demonstration/rationale for selection
  • Conclusion–Restate your argument about why your selections were the most significant.