5 paragraph essay

This assignment satisfies the CORE objectives for Critical Thinking and Written Communication

Formal Analysis Essay

Visit a local MUSEUM of FINE ART (not a gallery, not a novelty museum). If you are in DFW, there are many to choose from - The Dallas Museum of Art, The Nasher, The Crow, The Kimbell, and The Fort Worth Modern.

Select an artwork you like (or dislike!) to write about. Gather information about the artwork and the artist.

Write your paper as follows:

Paragraph I: Introduction

In this paragraph, tell the reader what artwork you have selected, where the artwork is located, and generally outline your purpose for writing this paper. Tell the reader what you will be discussing in the paper.

Paragraph II: Visual Description of the Artwork

Describe the artwork in a formal analysis. Discuss the Elements and Principles of Art described in Unit One of the textbook in depth. Please refer to this Unit when you write this portion of your paper. The use of critical vocabulary is required.

Paragraph III: Biographical Information

Give general biographical information about the artist and include information specific to who, where, and how the artist lived during the time your selected artwork was created. If the selected artwork is a cultural artifact, describe the culture from which the art object came. (research required)

Paragraph IV: Contextual Information

Describe the artist and the artwork’s place in Art History. What makes the artist (or culture) and this artwork important? Discuss the style of the artwork as it relates to the style(s) of artwork from the time period in which it was created. Did the artwork go against any convention of the time period? What was the message of the artwork and how was it received? Is/was it controversial in any way? How has the artwork/style influenced later art? It is important to acknowledge and compare at least two perspectives in this paragraph. (research required)

Paragraph V: Conclusion

Conclude the paper by offering your personal insight. Did you enjoy the artwork visually? Intellectually? Have your initial assumptions about it changed through your research? Do you agree or disagree with the information you included in Paragraph IV or do you have an entirely different view of the work?

Use MLA format for all citations and include a list of at least 3 high-quality, credible, and relevant sources. Wikipedia entries will not be counted.

Citation Information can be found here.

Formatting:

• Font: Arial, 12 point • Spacing: double (Normal) • Length: 2 page minimum (not including title, image, bibliography, or course information) • Image: Attach as a separate document or include in the paper. REQUIRED • 3 in-paper citations are REQUIRED

Make sure to include the physical aspects of the artwork you have chosen - name, title, date, medium, dimensions.

When using the title of the artwork, please either italicize or set in quotes.

See the Formal Analysis Rubric below.

Grade Evaluation for Essay Assignment Student: 1. Structure and Directions (8 points total) Correct formatting – typed, spacing, pagination 2 points _____

Capitalization, spelling and punctuation 2 points _____

Length of essay 2 points _____

Photo/image of artwork 2 point _____

2. Paragraph 1: Introduction (10 points total)

Introduction, thesis 5 points _____

Points of essay 5 points _____

3. Paragraph 2: Description (20 points total)

Clearly utilizes visual arts vocabulary 10 points _____

Clearly utilizes principles of design 10 points _____

4. Paragraph 3: Biographical (10 points total)

Context of artwork in artist’s career OR description of the culture from which the art object originated

10 points _____

5. Paragraph 4 : Contextual Information (20 points total)

Contextual info: Political, Religious, Stylistic, Societal 20 points _____

6. Paragraph 5: Conclusion (10 points total)

Insights & opinion 10 points _____

7. Research and List of Sources (22 points total)

List of Sources 7 points _____

MLA format for all citations (in-line notes and Bibliographic entries) 15 points _____

TOTAL GRADE 100 pts. __________