Art history research paper thesis example

Art History - Outline For Research Paper

Research Paper: Part 1 (Intro/Thesis/Sources + Outline)

Final Research Paper: Part 1 (DUE TODAY 4/28)

The Research Paper assignment is divided into two parts: the overall assignment is to write a 4-6-page paper (@1250-1800 words) on one from a list of topics (see “Research Paper: Part 2” or “Research Paper: Topics & Guidelines” below). You are expected to cite at least three sources (outside of the course text) in supporting your thesis on your chosen topic. Please double-space the paper, using Times New Roman font in 12-point. Please use MLA formatting and documentation style. Be sure to put all copied words, phrases, sentences, etc. in quotation marks and cite all paraphrased words, ideas, and arguments. Feel free to include illustrations in your paper.

Part 1 of the Final Research paper consists of the following THREE items, which are required for satisfactory completion of this assignment:

1. Your introductory paragraph. This should begin with a "hook," introduce your topic, and include your thesis statement. Also, don't forget to come up with an original, creative, meaninful title. Avoid simply repeating the name of the assignment as the title of your paper.

2. A a list of possible sources. This may change as you continue your research.

3. A one-page outline of your paper. This should indicate how you will break down your topic and how you intend to support your thesis.

Please see the two sample Final Papers Part 1 included here below. (Note, some of the formatting has been lost. Check correct outline form online. Also see "Topics & Guidelines" for more information.

This assignment is due by the end of the third week of class. See due-date schedule in the course syllabus for the exact date

Two examples of Final Paper Part 1

Example 1 : Strengths of this example: This student has a clear idea of the thesis and repeats in intro to outline, includes what concepts will be discussed in the outline and includes specifics in the conclusion. This would be even stronger if specific works of art were also included in the outline.

Student 1 Name

Date of class

ART – 100 Introduction to Art History

Unit 2 Research Paper: Part One

1. Write an essay that addresses this statement: “The definition of ‘art’ has shifted and changed over time and across cultures.” Refer to specific works of art, artists, styles, conventions, and/or movements that serve as examples to support your agreement or disagreement with this statement.

Introduction

There are varying degrees and definitions of the term “art.” It is a word that embodies culture, history, creativity, and spans generations of people and miles of geography. “Art” is a concept, not just a word. Art is a way of life and a way of looking at the world with an open mind and a creative attitude. To give such a broad concept an actual literary definition is limiting its meaning and not allowing “art” to move freely through genres and throughout the world. “Art” can be anything from a child’s drawing on a parent’s refrigerator to a college art student’s final project to a historical piece in a museum. To truly study and examine the definition of art, we need to explore the history and development of various cultures and apply these concepts to a more well-rounded meaning of what art actually embodies.

List of possible sources:

1. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ - The Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History from the Metropolitan Museum of Art

2. http://www.huntfor.com/arthistory/- Art History Movements

3. http://ardictionary.com/Art/8944 - Definition : Art (Meaning of Art)

Outline

I intend on utilizing the above mentioned sources in an attempt to further study the definition of art and how it has changed across periods of time and spaces of land. Our text book will also be utilized as a source, (Living with Art – 8th Edition by Mark Getlein).

I will support my thesis (To truly study and examine the definition of art, we need to explore the history and development of various cultures and apply these concepts to a more well-rounded meaning of what art actually embodies.) by drawing upon my research and readings in an effort to discuss the way the definition of art has altered throughout history.

I. Introduction

A. Personal view of how the concept and definition of art has changed

B. Discussion of ways that art has changed and how studying that change is essential to learning what art really is.

II. Body of Paper

A. Examples of how art has changed throughout time.

i. Possible reference of Metropolitan Museum timeline.

ii. Support from textbook about different periods of Art.

B. Various meanings of “art”

i. Website research

ii. Dictionary definition

iii. Art historians perspectives

C. Cultural Concepts of Art

i. How art changes across the world.

ii. Major themes of art in different countries.

III. Conclusion

A. Bring thesis to light by validation of major themes discussed in paper.

B. Conclude research by reinstating major ideas and their significance.

Example 2 : Strengths of this example include what concepts are covered in each part of the outline and art examples to be used. This student began each section with a quotation which is an original addition, but not required.

My suggestions to this student included how the conclusion might become more interesting:

"While researching this and reflecting upon it, see if you come to any interesting conclusions of your own about how these 3 approaches to art compare."

[Student name]

[date]

[Title of paper]

“Works of art, in my opinion, are the only objects in the material universe to possess internal order, and that is why, though I don't believe that only art matters, I do believe in Art for Art's sake.” E. M. Forster British novelist (1879 - 1970) (Resourse of Art Quotations The Painter's Keys)

It is the purpose of this paper to explore the terms, “Abstraction”, “Representational” and “Non-Representational” as they occur in art history. They will be examined in not only definitional terms, but in relationship to paintings by artists from differing cultures and over centuries of time. The terms are not absolute in value, but like the artwork within these categories, are dynamic and at times intersect and overlap. Throughout history, artists have been influenced by the culture, political attitudes and religious attitudes of the times and, as expected, these influences are directly reflected in the artwork that will be examined in terms of the above mentioned terminology.

I. Representational Art

A) Quotation: “It is the special privilege of the fine artist to reveal immediate data with clarity, intensity and purity that promotes them to special degree of reality.”

-Alton S. Tobey

B) Definition of term

C) Examination of Artwork in relationship to term:

1) Paul Cezanne, “Apples, Peaches Pears and Grapes” 1879-80

2) Sofonisba Anguissola, “Portrait of Amilcare, Minerva, and Asdrubale Anguissola”

II. Non-Representational Art

A) Quotation: “The painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through”-Jackson Pollock

B) Definition of terms including relationship to Abstract Art

C) Examination of Artwork in relationship to term:

1) Jackson Pollock, “Shimmering Substances” 1946

2) Pat Steir, “Summer Moon” 2005

III. Abstraction in Art:

A) Quotation- “There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.”- Pablo Picasso

B) Definition of term

C) Examination of Artwork in relationship to term:

1) Wassily Kandinsky “Painting with Troika” 1911

2) Edvard Munch “The Scream” 1893

IV. Conclusion: Comparison and contrast of how : these terms are not absolute in value, but like the artwork within these categories, are dynamic and at times intersect and overlap.

References:

(n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: http://www.mfa.org

Abstract vs. Non Representational Art. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17th, 2009, from Humanities Web: http://www.humanitiesweb.org

Art Institute of Chicago. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from http://www.artic.edu

Art Quotes. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from http://artquotes.net

Getlein, M. (2008). Living With Art, Eight Edition. New York, NY: McGraw Hill .

Hahn, H. (n.d.). Understanding Abstract Art. Retrieved February 17, 2009, from Harley Hahn Art Center: http:www.harley.com

New World Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org

Representational Art: Realistic Style of Painting. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from Encyclopedia of Irish & World Art: http://www.vivall-arts-cork.com

Resourse of Art Quotations The Painter's Keys. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2009, from The Painter's Keys: http://quote.robertgenn.com

Final Research Paper: Part 2 (Due by May 4th)

Turn in the final draft of your 4-6-page paper (@1250-1800 words) on one of the following topics. You are expected to cite at least three sources (outside of the course text) in supporting your thesis on your chosen topic. Please double-space the paper, using Times New Roman font in 12-point. You may use either MLA or APA formatting and documentation style. Be sure to put all copied words, phrases, sentences, etc. in quotation marks and cite all paraphrased words, ideas, and arguments. Feel free to include illustrations in your paper.

Be sure to read through the Guidelines (click on "Research Paper: Topics & Guidelines" below) for tips on writing the paper.

Choose from the following topics:

1. Write an essay that addresses this statement: “The definition of ‘art’ has shifted and changed over time and across cultures.” Refer to specific works of art, artists, styles, conventions, and/or movements that serve as examples to support your agreement or disagreement with this statement.

2. Define and discuss the terms “abstraction,” “representational,” and “nonrepresentational” in relation to two works of art per term. Make sure that the works you discuss for each term were created either in two different centuries or in two different cultures.

3. Discuss the traditional arts and the historical attitude toward art of one of these cultures: India, China, or Japan. Explain when and how the culture came into contact with other cultures—especially Western cultures—and the results of that contact on both.

4. Identify three artists from different centuries who have used their art to comment on social or political issues, citing specific works in support of your selections. Comment on the reasons that you feel these artists have succeeded or failed in producing recognition or change through their art.

5. Referring to specific works and/or artists, discuss at least five varying interpretations of the human body from prehistory to the present. Describe the impact of the different artists’ styles and representations of the body and identify the artists or work that you consider most interesting or compelling and explain why you think so.

6. Discuss the influence of African art on European and American art from the 19th century through the present, citing specific works, artists, styles, or movements that have been influential.

7. Compare and contrast the themes, purposes, media, and styles of the arts of any two Native American and/or Mesoamerican cultures.

8. Discuss the influence of photography on the art of the late 19th and 20th centuries, citing specific uses of photography. Discuss the shifting and sharing of the functions and purposes of art by painting, drawing, and photography.

9. Discuss at least five technological advances, occurring in at least five different centuries, which have changed the media and/or purposes of art in major ways.

10. List and discuss at least five themes of art, identifying and describing two examples of works (from different centuries or cultures) that relate to each theme.