Purpose:
This ‘benchmark’ assignment requires you to make connections between course concepts and readings, lectures, discussions, and activities. You will reflect on material covered in the second half of the term in your response. Your answers should include visual analysis, appropriate terminology, and historical/cultural context.
Format:
Note that the assignment is divided into 3 parts. You must complete all parts. Please make sure to identify which part you are answering by using appropriate labels in your response (i.e., 1a) or 1b)).
NOTE: Do not do any additional research for this assignment beyond your lecture notes and readings. You may refer to content that you have been linked to within the modules. Unauthorized resources (chat rooms, Discord, Reddit, etc.) are not permitted. Do not post any assignments – all or in part – to messages or social media.
Instructions:
Part 1. Match the Terms with the Works (5 pairs @ 1 point each = 5 points):
Match each of the following images with the most appropriate term. In one to two sentences, define the term and explain how this term is relevant to the chosen work. You must not use the same image twice. Maximum 75 words per image/term pairing. Please note that there will be an extra image.
A) Readymade
B) Bauhaus
C) Photomontage
D) Surrealism
E) Harlem Renaissance
Part 2: Discuss Two Works (10 points):
For this part, you will choose one of 4 works of contemporary art from the textbook and connect it with a work from Weeks 6-11. Choose one of the following works with an associated theme:
Each work (discussed in Week 12) is paired with a keyword or theme to help you make connections with course content. Find a twentieth-century artwork from the course that you think is related to the chosen work. It should be a work either from the textbook or from lecture or supplementary content. It cannot be one of the works in Part 1 of this assignment. Once you have a selected a comparison, explain how you think these works both relate to the theme. Your response should be brief. You need to identify the work that you relate to one of the images above and briefly discuss how each of them connects with the theme. Write no more than 250-400 words (2 paragraphs max). Answer in full sentences and paragraphs.
Part 3: Reflection (5 points)
Consider what you have learned in this course. Identify one concept related to visual culture (i.e. artwork, cultural period, material, process, etc.) that you are particularly curious about or that you would like to explore further. Explain why it intrigues you and how it relates to your own experience. You may talk about how it relates to your own artistic practice or academic goals. Answer in full sentences and paragraphs (max. 250 words).
Academic Integrity
All papers will be evaluated for their appropriate and consistent use of citation practice. The teaching team will be evaluating:
appropriate use of quotations and paraphrasing
providing in-text citations for sources (you do not need to cite the textbook or lecture)
providing bibliography and works cited list
