WRITING ASSIGNMENT 3: Assignment Guidelines Controversy! Throughout art history, many works of art have incited extreme response in the form of controversy. This is the main point to focus on for your final writing assignment. For this assignment, I ask that you research controversial works of art, and select one to respond to. You must focus on one singular work of art that has a history of/is largely known to be controversial.
WHERE TO START:
1. Research controversial art. Be prepared to find works of art that challenge you. These works have a history of offending a broad audience, and so you may find yourself looking at a work of art that you find offensive. You may also find yourself looking at a work of art only to wonder: “What’s the big deal?” You may strive to find one work that you deem offensive and one that you do not. In any event, choose works that you *want to explore, think about, and further discuss.*
2. After an introduction to your paper that includes a thesis, write a little bit about the first artist you selected. Remember, this is not a research-style paper about the life of the artist, so try and summarize the “story” of the artist, emphasizing any elements from the life of the artist that may have influenced the work, contributed to the subject matter, influenced the controversy, etc.
3. Include an image of the controversial work. Begin with a very thorough formal analysis of the work, looking at the elements and principals of the work. Do not yet address the controversy. Remain strictly formal in your analysis and description. This analysis should be the culmination of all of your repeated analysis from throughout the semester. I strongly encourage you to seek out the elements and principles, find the most prominent elements and principles in the composition, and provide a detailed analysis of how these element and principles are at work in the composition.
4. Describe the controversy, and keep citations to a minimum. It’s important, for this lesson, to use your own words and formulate your own descriptions. Present the controversial issues with the work
. 5. Respond to the work and the controversy. *Stick to this work only; more opportunity later to branch away from these topics.* What is YOUR opinion on the work? On the controversy? Did you get a different meaning from the work altogether? Consider the context of the work, the period in history which it was made, and any other important factors. Do you find the work offensive? Do you celebrate the message? Do not be vague, but rather – be specific. Support your opinions, and if possible, reference either works of art from the semester that we have looked at or periods in history that we have covered.
6. Lastly, convey your experience in researching and experiencing various controversial works of art. Did this experience diminish art for you in any way? Did this experience boost your enthusiasm for art? Did this have any influence of your perspective on where art is today? Be aware of this as you conduct your research so that you can reflect on the process as it is underway. You may want to address your thoughts and/or opinions or controversy or censorship in art here as well.
7. Develop a conclusion that ties your written words back to the initial controversial work that you selected.
Recommended structure: -Introduction with thesis
-About the artist -Formal analysis
-Present the controversy
-Respond to the controversy
-Respond to your journey in seeking out controversial works of art
-Conclusion It must: -be four-to-five pages long (DO NOT exceed the maximum)
-be double spaced -be in 12 point font -properly cite sources -have an Introduction and a Conclusion • The Introduction should brief and prepare the reader for what the paper will cover. • The Conclusion should briefly review the paper’s points. It should suggest further questions raised by the paper and might make further claims. Grading: Each written assignment is worth 20 points See the accompanying grading rubric. Note: be selective in what you choose to include in your paper. You only have so much to work with so you want to make careful decision regarding what you analyze, discuss, and respond to. A thorough analysis of both works will offer you the ability to make good decisions about what to write about. This paper will require research. Cite your sources. Plagiarism is not tolerated. A first offense will result in a failing grade on the written assignment with possibility of failure of the course and report to the Dean for disciplinary action, which may lead to suspension or expulsion. It is your responsibility