Art History

CIRL 500 (Section 2A0) Research Essay (35% of final grade)

Due: July 27, 11:59 p.m. Length: Approximately 1600-1700 words (6-7 pages, double-space, excluding the bibliography) Format: MLA, APA, or Chicago style Overview: This assignment is a formal academic paper of a significant length that should therefore be approached with due seriousness. At the core of your essay should be a careful and thoroughly researched argument related to one of the artistic movements that is covered in this course. You may choose anything but Realism! The “Avant-Garde” is too broad. Before you begin your research for this assignment, take a moment to consider what you think is interesting or problematic about your chosen movement. How could you investigate this aspect of the movement further? Why is this particular aspect of the movement important to examine right now, in our present moment in time? What role will historical research play in your work? On a related note, what is the historical legacy and contemporary relevance of this movement? What theories and concepts related to art and art history will you be using in your analysis of this movement? Be sure to select a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow to address effectively in 6 to 7 pages. You must also follow a traditional essay format (introduction, body, conclusion, list of works cited, and so forth). Although your thesis must address the artistic movement as a whole, in order to support your argument, you must also analyze three artworks that are associated with your chosen movement. You must demonstrate how these artworks are representative of the movement, but perhaps more importantly, you must also demonstrate how your analysis of them is related directly to your thesis. These examples cannot be from the textbook, and at least two artists must be represented across your selections. Please include images of the artworks in an appendix!

Sources:

1) 4 scholarly, peer-reviewed sources (at least) 2) At least one source should present an alternative or contrasting perspective.

If you wish to use the textbook, it counts as one your scholarly sources! You can certainly use some (reliable) popular sources as well, but these must be in addition to the four (minimum) scholarly sources. Remember to cite your sources for images too! Submission Information: By the deadline, you will submit your assignment as a Microsoft Word or PDF file via the “Assignments” tool under the “Assessment” tab on our D2L site.

Evaluating Sources:

• Here is a concise and useful comparison between “scholarly” and “popular” sources: http://learn.library.ryerson.ca/Research/scholarly.

• This brief guide will help you find peer-reviewed articles: https://learn.library.ryerson.ca/arthistory/articles#s-lg-box-11564703.

• Scholarly sources are generally books and journals published by university presses and other established academic publishers.

• Wikipedia is not an acceptable scholarly source, nor are most websites ending in “.com.” • Use the Ryerson University Library Catalogue, the resources listed here, and other similar databases to

find and evaluate your sources. • When in doubt, ask a librarian or the CECL. • In short, you need to do more than just “Google it.” That said, Google Scholar can sometimes be a

good place to start. Other Hopefully Helpful Tips:

• Include URLs in your list of works cited (if applicable). • Use own words when paraphrasing. • Indicate all quotations clearly (with parenthetical references, including page or paragraph number,

if possible). Any cited or paraphrased text should be free of visual effects. • Leave time to proofread. Do not rely on spellcheck. Seriously. • Please consider seeking additional help from Student Learning Support:

https://www.ryerson.ca/studentlearningsupport/. Additional Resources:

• Henry M. Sayre, Writing about Art • “Art History Guide” (Ryerson University Library and Archives):

http://learn.library.ryerson.ca/arthistory • Online Writing Lab (OWL): https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/purdue_owl.html • Ulrichsweb (source evaluation): http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca • “How to Evaluate Your Sources” (Ryerson University Library and Archives):

http://learn.library.ryerson.ca/arthistory/evaluate

CIRL 500 Research Essay Criteria Evaluation Comments Balance • Among description, analysis, and

evaluation, as appropriate • Among structural components of

essay (including analysis of form, content, and context; required sections of essay; and page limit)

• Among possible perspectives (i.e. a balanced tone); between personal opinion & more objective elements

A B C D F •

Larger Connections • Using appropriate vocabulary

(specific terms & concepts, etc.) • Connections to at least 4

scholarly, peer-reviewed sources? Among all of these sources? Contrasting source?

• Connections to art and art history? Connections between the past and the present?

A B C D F •

Specific Examples • 4 representative artworks

subjected to close analysis • Also placed in context of artistic

movement as a whole • Evidence of a focused analysis

supported by research

A B C D F •

Research & Preparation • Specific and arguable thesis;

detailed evidence to support it • Evidence of a recent, attentive,

and informed viewing of examples

• Evidence of revision, proofreading, etc.; knowledge of MLA, APA, or Chicago style; use of formal language

A B C D F •

Summary Comment: Mark: /100