political art in contemporary art

There are essay template and student example in the file
Suggestions from my professor:
Your topic cannot be TOO BIG–you need to find a closer relationship between these works so they can make part of a cohesive argument. I really think you should focus on one area of politics and art–if you are interested in contemporary Chinese work that is critical of a government from within a controlling and censoring state, that would be a cool angle to go with (if you feel comfortable with a topic like that) but you could also do something on political uses of children’s toys in art-
Length: 2,000-2,500 words
Interesting title
Must have a thesis
At least FIVE high-quality sources used
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in the paper, with in-text citations
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and a works cited at the end of the paper, formatted correctly and consistently
Topics and art from after 1940
NOT A REPORT OR BIOGRAPHY
Includes illustrations of relevant artworks
DID I MENTION THE THESIS? YOU NEED A THESIS!!!
Paper Formats/Strategies:
Write a comparison of two works you see as related or that illustrate a theme
Apply one or more critical sources (Greenberg?) or theories (postmodernism = late capitalism?) to an artwork or selection of artworks
Write an in-depth critical analysis of one or more works by the same artist, trying to understand and explain their work. Note: if you pick this option, be aware that you SHOULD NOT write a report or biography on the artist. This is an analysis of their work and issues within their work, not an overview of their life and career.
Find several works by different artists that relate to a theme or subtheme (maybe something discussed in class!) Explain how these works relate to each other and the theme.
Expand one of your Research Assignments into your paper, in one of the above ways.
None of these options ringing your bell? Design your own topic—I am very happy to consult and try to figure out an approach with you.
Thesis
Regardless of what approach you choose, your paper will need to have a thesis or argument. This argument should emerge from your research into your topic, but it helps to start with a question or something you are curious about.
Your thesis should not be self-evident; it should need a little explaining and evidence. For example, “Abstract Expressionist art is about feelings and emotions.” is a non-thesis. It is self-evident, and it does not make a very interesting claim. On the other hand, “Mark Rothko’s Houston Chapel cycle of paintings reveal his depression and doubt of religion.” is more specific and more of an argument. (I have no idea if that is true. I made it up. Don’t use it without further research!!)
A Note On Plagiarism:
I examine student papers for evidence of plagiarism. Restating, changing sentence structure, or using fragments of sentences from other sources without quoting and/or attributing your citations are all examples of plagiarism that will result in a lowered grade or a zero. You need to become aware of what constitutes plagiarism, because there is no second chance to correct a paper that has been plagiarized. You are responsible for what you turn in. We have the amazing ASC center
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that has tutors, Librarians are available
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to help you, I have student hours and make appointments as you need, there are library pamphlets and brochures
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, books and style guides (pdf)
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, AND a magical thing called Google, any of which can tell you what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.

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