M6A2: Module 8 Research Paper Topic SelectionDue Apr 17 by 11:59pm Points 0 Submitting a text entry box or a file upload Available after Mar 7 at 12amThe purpose of this assignment is to choose a topic for your Research Paper (paper due in Module 8). The paper involves analyzing one artwork, of any medium, you have seen in person from a period we cover in this course. You will begin this project by visiting a museum or recalling a recent museum trip in order to choose your topic.Research Paper Topic SelectionThe Research Paper Essay is due during Module 8. The assignment appears in the syllabus and is included here to assist you in selecting and submitting your research paper topic.The idea behind this project is to have you write about an artwork or building you have seen in person. The piece needs to fit within the historic timeframe of the course material, 15th century through c. 1918.Step 1: Visit a museum/site or recall a recent museum/site trip in order to choose your topic.Text illustrations and online images are wonderful but just cannot compare to the real thing! To see an artist’s brushstrokes or move within a historic building allows you to capture nuances of materials and visual sensations. The experience offers a very personal connection with the artist and the time period. And, you will become acutely aware of your own place in the continuum of history. Reproductions will never provide this sense of connection. When a writer can reference his/her personal reactions or discoveries, the writing becomes much more compelling and authentic.Obviously, not everyone will have the opportunity in an 8-week course to go to a museum. But, if at all possible, consider where you may have the chance to see original art during the term. If you have taken a recent trip abroad or are stationed abroad, you may have already encountered your paper topic. If you are unable to see an artwork or building appropriate to the course, let your instructor know so that an alternative arrangement can be made to select your artwork.Visiting a Museum/SiteWhen you go to the museum to find your research subject, get all the information you can while there. Determine whether photography is allowed before you take pictures. Many museums/sites allow photography without flash, but it is important to ask.Step 2: Compile and write a preliminary abstract for your paper.This should include:An identification of the artwork (artist, title, date, medium, and present location)Your intentionsAn image of your artworkYour instructor may have ideas for further research; please contact your instructor early in Module 6.As stated in the syllabus, for your Research Paper, you will select and analyze an artwork from within the historic timeframe of the course material, 15th century through c. 1918.Step 3: Submit your Research Paper Topic Selection. Reminder: This paper is due by the end of Module 8. Your topic is due during Module 6.Research Paper WritingThe analysis should begin with an introduction of the work that includes the artist, title, date, medium (material of which it is made), and name of the museum or owner.In the body of the paper, you can break down the analysis into sections.One section should be a description of the subject of the work. This logically ties into the idea behind the commission or the original purpose of the artwork, which should also be discussed.Another section would be a style analysis of the work. How is the work typical of the artist’s style, and how does it fall in line with trends of its day? Introducing other similar works to compare may help make your case if you are discussing style conventions. When writing about art, it is important to describe details. This helps give the reader a “tour” and is essential for reinforcing your general observations.Paper GuidelinesYou should write 4 to 5 pages of double-spaced text.Include a “References” page. This paper will require some research to get a full sense of the piece and its historic context. Include at least 5 reputable sources. The museum website will be a good place to start looking for information, in addition to seeing your artwork. The bibliography at the back of your textbook may lead you to other scholarly sources.Use the APA style to set up your paper and cite your research.Please include an illustration of your work in your paper, as well as any comparison pieces you choose to include. Please caption your illustrations.Again, if visiting a museum/site is impossible for you, please discuss an alternative way of choosing a topic for this assignment with the instructor.Use the next two weeks to complete the Research Paper Topic assignment. Enjoy the detective work!The Excelsior College Library can be a huge help. Here is its link to research materials related specifically to art:Excelsior Library Art Research Guide (Links to an external site.)If you are new to research or need help with APA formatting, the library also offers this:Tutorials and Tip Sheets (Links to an external site.)For submitting the Research Paper Topic Selection assignment:No grade will be assigned in Module 6 for this activity.Compose your work in a .doc or .docx file type using a word processor (such as Microsoft Word, etc.) and save it frequently to your computer. For those assignments that are not written essays and require uploading images or PowerPoint slides, please follow uploading guidelines provided by your instructor.Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to submit your work, click “Upload Submission.” Enter the submission title and then click on “Select a file to upload.” Browse your computer, and select your file. Click “Open” and verify the correct file name has appeared next to Submission File. Click on “Continue.” Confirm submission is correct and then click on “Accept Submission & Save.”EvaluationThis assignment will be graded using the Written Assignment Grading Rubric located on the Course Rubrics page within the Start Here section of the course. Please review the rubric prior to beginning your work so that you ensure your submission meets the criteria in place for this assignment. The final Research Paper is worth 20% of your final course grade?
