Research Paper: Part 1-

The Research Paper assignment is divided into two parts: the overall assignment is to write a 4-6-page paper (@1250-1800 words) on one from a list of topics (see "Research Paper: Part 2" or "Research Paper: Topics & Guidelines" below). You are expected to cite at least three sources (outside of the course text) in supporting your thesis on your chosen topic. Be sure to put all copied words, phrases, sentences, etc. in quotation marks and cite all paraphrased words, ideas, and arguments. Feel free to include illustrations in your paper.
Part 1 of the Research paper consists of the following THREE items, which are required for satisfactory completion of this assignment:

1. Your introductory paragraph. This should begin with a "hook," introduce your topic, and include your thesis statement. Also, don't forget to come up with an original, creative, meaninful title. Avoid simply repeating the name of the assignment as the title of your paper.

2. Aa list of possible sources. This may change as you continue your research.

3. A one-page outline of your paper. This should indicate how you will break down your topic and how you intend to support your thesis.

Outline

I. Introduction

A. Personal view of how the concept and definition of art has changed

B. Discussion of ways that art has changed and how studying that change is essential to learning what art really is.

II. Body of Paper

A. Examples of how art has changed throughout time.

i. Possible reference of Metropolitan Museum timeline.

ii. Support from textbook about different periods of Art.

B. Various meanings of "art"

i. Website research

ii. Dictionary definition

iii. Art historians perspectives

C. Cultural Concepts of Art

i. How art changes across the world.

ii. Major themes of art in different countries.

III. Conclusion

A. Bring thesis to light by validation of major themes discussed in paper.

B. Conclude research by reinstating major ideas and their significance.

Research Paper: Part 2-

Turn in the final draft of your 4-6-page paper (@1250-1800 words) on one of the following topics. You are expected to cite at least three sources (outside of the course text) in supporting your thesis on your chosen topic. Please double-space the paper, using Times New Roman font in 12-point. You may use either MLA or APA formatting and documentation style. Be sure to put all copied words, phrases, sentences, etc. in quotation marks and cite all paraphrased words, ideas, and arguments. Feel free to include illustrations in your paper.

Be sure to read through the Guidelines (click on "Research Paper: Topics & Guidelines" below) for tips on writing the paper.

Choose from the following topics:

1. Write an essay that addresses this statement: "The definition of ‘art' has shifted and changed over time and across cultures." Refer to specific works of art, artists, styles, conventions, and/or movements that serve as examples to support your agreement or disagreement with this statement.

2. Define and discuss the terms "abstraction," "representational," and "nonrepresentational" in relation to two works of art per term. Make sure that the works you discuss for each term were created either in two different centuries or in two different cultures.

3. Discuss the traditional arts and the historical attitude toward art of one of these cultures: India, China, or Japan. Explain when and how the culture came into contact with other cultures-especially Western cultures-and the results of that contact on both.

4. Identify three artists from different centuries who have used their art to comment on social or political issues, citing specific works in support of your selections. Comment on the reasons that you feel these artists have succeeded or failed in producing recognition or change through their art.

5. Referring to specific works and/or artists, discuss at least five varying interpretations of the human body from prehistory to the present. Describe the impact of the different artists' styles and representations of the body and identify the artists or work that you consider most interesting or compelling and explain why you think so.

6. Discuss the influence of African art on European and American art from the 19th century through the present, citing specific works, artists, styles, or movements that have been influential.

7. Compare and contrast the themes, purposes, media, and styles of the arts of any two Native American and/or Mesoamerican cultures.

8. Discuss the influence of photography on the art of the late 19th and 20th centuries, citing specific uses of photography. Discuss the shifting and sharing of the functions and purposes of art by painting, drawing, and photography.

9. Discuss at least five technological advances, occurring in at least five different centuries, which have changed the media and/or purposes of art in major ways.

10. List and discuss at least five themes of art, identifying and describing two examples of works (from different centuries or cultures) that relate to each theme.