Assignment: Cultural Event Report

As a way of experiencing the Humanities beyond your classroom, computer, and textbook, you are asked to attend a "cultural event" and report on your experience.

1. Visit a museum or gallery exhibition or attend a theater, dance, or musical performance before the end of Week 10.

2. Write a two to three (2-3) page report (500-750 words) that describes your experience.

Clearly identify the event location, date attended, the attendees, and your initial reaction upon arriving at the event.

Provide specific information and a description of at least two (2) pieces.

Provide a summary of the event and describe your overall reaction after attending the event.

Visiting a Museum

• It makes sense to approach a museum the way a seasoned traveler approaches visiting a city for the first time. Find out what is available to see. In the museum, find out what sort of exhibitions are currently housed in the museum and start with the exhibits that interest you. If there is a travelling exhibition, it's always a good idea to see it while you have the chance. Then, if you have time, you can look at other things in the museum.
• Make notes as you go through the museum and accept any handouts or pamphlets that the museum staff gives you. While you should not quote anything from the printed material when you do your report, the handouts may help to refresh your memory later.
• The quality of your experience is not measured by the amount of time you spend in the galleries or the number of works of art that you actually see. The most rewarding experiences can come from finding one or two (1 or 2) pieces of art or exhibits which intrigue to you and then considering those works in leisurely contemplation. Most museums even have benches where you can sit and study a particular piece.
• If you are having a difficult time deciding which pieces to write about, ask yourself these questions: (1) If the museum you are visiting suddenly caught fire, which two (2) pieces of art or exhibits would you most want to see saved from the fire? (2) Why would you choose those two (2) particular pieces?

Attending a Performance

• Check your local colleges to see if there are any free or low-cost performances or student recitals. Student performances are generally of almost the same quality as professional performances, but typically cost much less.
• Unlike visiting a museum, where you can wear almost anything, people attending performances are often expected to "dress up" a bit.
• Take a pen or pencil with you and accept the program you are offered by the usher; you will probably want to make notes on it during or after the performance.
• Turn off your cell phone before entering the auditorium. Do not use your phone to record the music or to take pictures or videos. To play it safe, turn the phone off.
• Most long musical performances have at least one intermission. If the lights start blinking, it is the sign that the performance is about to begin.
• Look for very specific things (such as a particular piece of music or the way certain instruments sounded at a specific time) which tend to stand out as either enjoyable or not enjoyable. Be sure to make notes of the things which you find enjoyable as well as the things which are not enjoyable.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Explain the importance of situating a society's cultural and artistic expressions within a historical context.
• Examine the influences of intellectual, religious, political, and socio-economic forces on social, cultural, and artistic expressions.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in the study of world cultures.
• Write clearly and concisely about world cultures using proper writing mechanics.

Discussion 1: Abstraction and Artistic Purpose

• Pablo Picasso once wrote "painting is not done to decorate apartments; it is an instrument of war." Regardless of whether a war scene is the subject of the painting, explain whether you believe that art has the power to influence thought and action - what people think and what people do.

Discussion 2: Pop Art and Consumer Culture 

• Explain whether you think Pop art is an artistic critique of the culture of consumerism - or just a perpetuation of an obsession with material things, especially trendy brands and labels.

Discussion 3: Rosenquist's F-111

• Rosenquist's painting was created during the Vietnam War era and eventually became associated with the anti-war movement. Explain whether you think the message of the painting F-111 is pro-war, anti-war, or neither. Describe at least two elements in the painting which are uniquely American.

Discussion 4: Bearden, Basquiat

• Compare and contrast Romare Bearden's collage with the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat; identify and describe specific elements of these artworks that you think represent the multiplicity of the African-American experience.

Discussion 5: Reflection

• Identify three things you learned in this course that surprised or intrigued you, and explain why.