Assignment: The Arts Past and Present

Format and Word Count:

The student's work should be presented in an ESSAY of around 1200 words.

Referencing:

The essay should include a list of references (print and electronic) at the end in addition to in-text referencing as per the requirements of the Harvard Referencing System. Proper referencing is a serious academic requirement and skill and will be rewarded accordingly.

Writing and Discussion Topic:

The construction of any reputation is a complex process. The factors involved in shaping reputations remain varied, and the interplay of these factors adds to the complexity of the process. History tells us of leaders who have myths built around them and who have had up to this very day their reputations contested. Sometimes, and by some, these leaders are called nation builders, mass murderers, usurpers etc. Their memory lives on and so does the controversy surrounding them. The course book, Reputations deals with Cleopatra and Stalin as examples. Choose one such iconic "leader" (do NOT choose Cleopatra or Stalin) and discuss the issues involved in process of his/her reputation formation. Pay attention to the factors that could have contributed to his/her contested reputation and the role historical sources are made to operate. First, you should read to build your understanding of the complex theme of reputation before focusing your attention on material that would help you address the subthemes numbered 1-5 below, as they apply to the leader of your choice:

1) Identify the issues involved in setting the "leader" in his/her historical context.

2) Discuss the role played by historical interpretation in shaping the "leader's" reputation.

3) Discuss how myths are constructed around this "leader".

4) Investigate the interplay of myth and history in constructing the "leader's" reputation.

5) Reflect on how different times and cultures make use of the past and its sources when constructing seemingly "irreconcilable" reputations of the same "leader".

Guidance on Addressing the Topic:

Before you embark on writing the essay, you need to read carefully Book 1 Reputations in order to familiarize yourself with the topic at large and make use of the skills presented in the book when writing your essay. You are strongly advised to consult sources on the topic and widen your knowledge of the topic under consideration, but it is of the utmost importance to document any words or ideas that are not your own. Once you have the material ready, it is advisable that you follow the steps (1-5) indicated in the section above to avoid omitting sub-questions. Although Units 1 and 5 of Book 1 on Cleopatra and Stalin are of immediate relevance to the TMA topic, you should demonstrate your knowledge of the complexity of the overarching concept of reputation as presented in all the units and not limit treatment solely to a particular treatment appearing in a single unit.