Comparison Paper Instructions: In your paper you are to describe a meaningful relationship between a specific work of art from the course material & a specific image or work of art from contemporary visual culture.
In doing so, you will need to describe the content and meaning of the work, and how that meaning is visually expressed with both your old and new subjects. In your introduction paragraph you need to briefly introduce your subjects and provide a clear & specific thesis. As part of the grade will be based on the quality of your selections and your thesis, I encourage you to consider them carefully. I will be happy to provide feedback on subjects & thesis before you proceed with the rest of the paper.
What kind of relationship? Your paper should make it clear that there are compelling reasons that this is a worthwhile comparison, and not an arbitrary one. Subject, style, themes, formal elements (color, lighting, shapes etc.) & composition, symbolism, content, medium, historical & cultural implications, etc. may all be relevant points of comparison.
Please be descriptive and specific in your visual analysis. In part, your goal is to not only explain what your images “say” or mean – you are to explain how they visually convey that message.
What things can you choose as subjects?
From the course material (Chapters 14-23)
-Specific object of art (No architecture).
-You may select a work of art from the periods & cultures discussed in those
chapters that is not in the text, but I suggest that you clear it with me by email or in class if that is the case.
Before the paper is turned in the professor wants a separate document with the art we have chosen along with 3-6 sentence response of our thoughts on why you selected the image as your subject for the paper. why you think the image is important and relevant or questions your subject raises etc.
What things can you choose as subjects?
From the course material (Chapters 14-23)
Specific object of art (No architecture).
You may select a work of art from the periods & cultures discussed in those
chapters that is not in the text, but I suggest that you clear it with me by email or in class if that is the case.
Contemporary visual culture
-Must be a specific work of visual culture; not a general category or type.
(provide image with paper).
-Any medium, 1970 – present).
-Remember: the term visual culture includes, but is not limited to art (see
the intro slides file on Canvas for examples of various categories).
As part of the grade will be based on the quality of your selection, I encourage you to consider it carefully.
Rubric
A. Thesis and subject 20 points
B. Substance 30 points
C. Support and evidence 40 points
D. Writing & Directions 10 points
A. Is my thesis (reason for comparison) clear? Have I chosen good subjects for this type of comparison, or would others illustrate my thesis better?
B. Is this a substantial comparison? (substance = interesting, relevant and meaningful).
C. Have I illustrated my points with clear and accurate references to the material (artwork or architecture)?
Have I demonstrated the knowledge and perspective I have gained through the coursework? (i.e.: has this paper offered information, insights, & observations that go beyond what any reasonable person could conclude in simply looking at pictures of your two objects?)
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