Research Paper Assignment

Art 130

Your final project for this course is to write a research paper of 2500-3000 words on a social, environmental, or political issue (such as any we have been talking about in class this semester) and how a specific  artist or multiple artists are addressing this issue with their art. This paper will require in depth research into the issue as well as the artist(s) and artwork. You may choose to focus on one specific artist in depth or you may choose to include 2-3 artists that are using their art to address the same issue. This paper is research focused, but will also require you to use the analyzing skills you developed in the last 2 papers. You will need to include descriptions, interpretations, and judgements related to the artwork being discussed, all of which needs to be supported by your research.

Final Paper (130 points)

The final paper should include parenthetical citations in the text and a works cited/bib in MLA or APA style. Papers are to be 2500-3000 pages in length, not including the works cited/bib. Your works cited/bibliography should include of all sources consulted, whether cited in your paper or not. Minimum of 5-8 sources. You will also need to include photocopies of any images referenced in your paper.

Evaluation: 130pts

Introduction and thesis statement: 20pts

Description of issue: 10pts

Description of Artwork(s) that addresses the issue: 10pts

Analysis/interpretations of the artwork(s): 15pts

Background on Artist(s) as it relates to the artwork/issue (contextual info): 10pts

Purpose/goals of the artist(s) (how do they address the issues): 15pts

Depth of Research into the issue : 15pts

Judgements of effectiveness of the artist/artwork to address the issue: 15pts

Conclusion: 10pts

Utilization of Peer Review Feedback: 10pts

Grammar, MLA/APA style, citations, sources, word count, etc…: Points deducted for errors or missing information.

Possible Paper Topics

Environmental issues:

Climate Change
Deforestation
Pollution (be specific, like air, water, soil, etc…)
Energy
Recycling
Dying Ocean Coral
Ocean ecology
Animal extinction
Desertification
Conservation
Water
Alternative energy

Social/Political Issues:

Racism
Sexism
Classism
Ableism
Privilege
Islamophobia
LGBTQAI issues
LGBTQAI Suicides/violence
Bullying
Education
Education of Girls
Gentrification
War
Famine
Refugees
Immigration/migration
Europe Refugees
Oppressive governments
Guns
Gun violence
Police violence
Gang violence
Israel/Palestine
Local issues
Prison Reform
School to Prison pipeline