Art 101 Essay Question
Final Essay for Art History 101
Purpose:
In this assignment, you will demonstrate your
understanding of important information presented during the semester.
You will be graded on your ability to formulate and support an opinion
about this information (critical thinking), and your ability to compose
a formal, college-level essay using specific examples and terminology
you have learned in class.
Essay Topic:
Traditional among the ancient Greeks was the practice
of the symposium, a dinner party marked by drinking, games, poetry
recitals, philosophical discussions, and the occasional orgy. The most
famous description we have of such an event takes place in Plato’s
dialogue, the Symposium, during which his guests (both male and female)
discuss the concept of the Ideal, “What is perfection?”
We would like you to host such a symposium, inviting 3 guests from
different time periods we have studied this semester. [Prehistoric,
Egyptian, Greek, Roman, or a Christian period are your options.] The
topic of discussion, as at Plato’s symposium, is “What is the ideal in
art? In other words, what should the ideal art depict and how should it
be depicted?” To start the conversation at your party, you toss on a
table a picture of Matthew McConaughey, voted one of People Magazine’s
sexiest men in 2007. To begin each of the three participants will
want to make a comment about the American ideal and how it compares to
the ideal from their own culture. They will then offer an artwork
from their own time period and explain how this artwork expresses their
cultural values and why they feel that this is the appropriate ideal.
Requirements:
1. At least 2, and not more than 3, typed, double-spaced pages
using a 12 point font and appropriate MLA margins.
2. Introduction and conclusion
3. Correct spelling and grammar, including proper agreement of
nouns and verbs, consistent verb tenses, appropriate punctuation,
paragraphs and complete sentences
4. Use of specific art history vocabulary where appropriate
5. At least three artworks used to support your points.
Remember:
1. This is not a research paper. Your grade will be based upon how
well you demonstrate your knowledge of what you have learned this
semester, how well you apply that knowledge in discussing contemporary
standards of the ideal, and how well you support your ideas, as well as
the quality of your writing.
2. If you need help with the mechanics of writing (grammar,
organization, etc.),please visit the Learning Center.
3. Be sure to proof-read your finished paper before turning it in.
If English is not your first language, have a native-speaker proofread
your paper as well.
4. Your work must be your own. Plagiarism from other sources (the
text, internet sources, another student’s work, etc.) will result in an
“F” on the assignment and possibly for the course.
