research paper on Lance Wyman as an artist include the Olympics

fall 2013 Associate Professor amir berbić des 231 History of Design

PROJECT DESCRIPTION Each student should select one designer covered in Chapters 20–24 of the Meggs/Purvis text book. Formulate a focused paper topic in which you will analyze and discuss this person’s work in the context (historical, cultural, social, political, etc.) in which she/he practiced, as well her/his significance to the development of design practice (in concept, method, use of technology, etc.). Why is this person’s work important to the study of design? What (or who) has had an influence on this person’s work or thinking about design? What is the impact of this person’s work to the advancement of the field or to specific socio-cultural conditions?

The research paper focuses on recent history and contemporary design practice, as covered in the last five chapters of the text books. Meanwhile, you are encouraged to reference design work or movements from earlier periods in your discussion of contemporary work. Comparison and discussion of precedents is typically an effective method of supporting your argument. The project requires that you select a designer mentioned in your text book. However, if you wish to research a contemporary designer not mentioned in the text book (e.g. Arabic typographer) please consult the instructor and seek permission for special proposals.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES 1 Research a specific topic in history of design; 2 Demonstrate a thorough familiarity with the work of a chosen person from recent history or contemporary practice and the context in which she/he practiced; 3 Identify the significance of a designer’s work to the development of design practice; 4 Identify the historical, cultural, social or political significance of her/his work; 5 Analyze specific projects or examples of work from your chosen designer; 6 Construct written arguments and defend these using proper academic conventions.

PROCESS CHECKLIST 1 Select a designer from Chapters 20–24 in your text book; 2 Conduct research and formulate a focused, concise thesis statement that will set the stage for your paper; 3 Discuss the context in which this designer practiced; 4 Analyze the person’s work; formal characteristics, medium of output, content, communication strategies etc. 5 Discuss at least three different pieces of work by this person; 6 Use a minimum of four credible sources in the paper; 7 Make sure the paper is written in accordance with one of the writing styles (i.e. apa style).

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 1 How well has the student met the objectives of the assignment? 2 Has the student shown evidence of research and knowledge of the selected subject matter? 3 Has the student formulated a specific, clearly stated thesis statement? 4 Has the student presented appropriate research-findings to clearly argue the point in the thesis statement? 5 Are the points raised factually grounded; are conclusions based on careful consideration of verifiable examples? 6 Does the paper present evidence from a variety of credible sources? 7 Is the paper well-written (clarity of expression, grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, etc.)? 8 Has the student properly cited sources using academic writing conventions?

Research Paper (Analysis)

LENGTH 4-5 pages / 11pt size type / double spaced / 2.5cm margin

DEADLINE Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 11:00 a.m. no exceptions. *note: The paper should be submitted both as a printed hardcopy and digitally to iLearn (via SafeAssign).

THESIS STATEMENT source: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/

º Tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.

º Is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.

º Directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself.

º The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.

º Makes a claim that others might dispute.

º Is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader.

º The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

aus writing center (http://www.aus.edu/info/200168/college_of_arts_and_sciences/326/writing_center) http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html http://www.apastyle.org/ http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/thesis.htm http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/understanding-assignments/