argumentthe two images placed side H u m a n i t i e s
Assignment
Choose one of the pairs of artworks below and write a 1000 word essay comparing and contrasting them according to the accompanying prompt.
NO CREDIT for papers that do not include the following:
- A TITLE that conveys your argument
- The TWO IMAGES placed side by side on the first page
- Reference to a MINIMUM of three research resources
- FOOTNOTES for all quotations and borrowed ideas formatted according to OR a clear hint about what your final argument/thesis in the essay will be in the conclusion.
- Provide an analysis of each work in relation to the other that supports your thesis using at least two of our four approaches: formal, iconographical, sociohistorical, and aesthetic.
- You may wish to begin comparing and contrasting the two works right away, giving a separate paragraph to each point of comparison or contrast. For example, compare and contrast the subject matter in work A and B in one section; then discuss composition in A and B in the next section; and so on.
- OR You may wish to analyze the first work completely and wait to start comparing/contrasting until you bring in the second work. For example, Discuss work A in three paragraphs; then start discussing work B beginning each paragraph with a sentence like “Whereas in work A, _______, in work B, we see ______ .”
- Both methods work fine. Remember you should only discuss points of comparison and contrast that support your argument/thesis. You don’t have room to cover every aspect of both works.
- Conclude by explaining how your previous points of comparison and contrast have led to your argument and support the thesis alluded to in your title. Expand on that argument here.
- Develop a title that effectively conveys your thesis.
- Review and edit once, ask a friend in the class to review and edit, revise, review and edit a third time, submit.
Choose one of the pairs of artworks below and write a 1000 word essay comparing and contrasting them according to the accompanying prompt.
OPTION 1: Mary Cassatt, In the Loge, 1878 and
How do these two paintings present the social position of women? How do they ask you to feel about that social position?
OPTION 2: Oskar Schlemmer, Slat Dance, 1920s and
What do these two artworks suggest about the relationship between bodies and things? Bodies and space? How do they ask you to feel about that relationship?
OPTION 3: Past Times, 1997
How do these two artworks address the subject of race differently? Humanity? Judgment? How do they ask you to feel about these questions?
OPTION 4: Diego Rivera, Allegory of California, 1930-31 and Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Untitled, 1991
How do these two artworks address the idea of public art? How do they address the question of social crisis? How do they relate the two?