For this assessment, first, choose a cultural artifact or work of art, and then, in 2–3 pages of writing, analyze it using the strategies you’ve learned from the provided resources.
Start by writing an introductory paragraph that describes which artifact you chose.
Provide a brief description of the artifact itself, including identifying details such as the type of artifact, the artist or musician, when it was created, and the materials used.
Explain why you chose this artifact. In other words, what about the artifact appeals to you?
Describe the historical and artistic contexts of the artifact or work of art.
Describe the historical context, such as the time period, the place, and the reasons the artist might have had for creating the artifact.
Describe the artistic context, such as the visual and aural techniques and symbols. Include reasons that explain why these techniques were used.
Consider how the artistic context was shaped by the historical context at the time the artifact was created.
Explain the cultural values conveyed through the artifact or work of art.
Identify two cultural values that you believe the artist was trying to convey through the artifact or work of art.
Explain how these cultural values are portrayed, reflected, or demonstrated in the artifact.
For example, how might an anti-war song from the late 1960s or early 1970s portray or reflect American culture at that time? Similarly, how might a French Impressionist painting reflect beliefs about modern life in the second half of the 19th century?
Reflect on the way culture shapes your perspective and impacts the decisions you make about the meaning of the cultural artifact or work of art.
Relate the artist’s cultural values to your own. Examine the similarities or differences that you see between your cultural values and the artist’s cultural values.
Explain how your cultural perspective shaped your response and connection with the artifact or work of art.
Write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, mechanics, citations, and formatting.
Your submission should meet the following requirements:
Length: 2–3 pages of text, in addition to a title page and reference page.
Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
Formatting: Format your submission according to APA style, with a title page, double spacing, and a reference page.
Citations: Cite at least two sources; these can be course materials, library sources, or credible internet sources. Cite sources according to APA rules. Review Evidence and APA for more information on how to cite your sources.
