who can do a research paper not less than 2,200 words in Modern Art History?

Modern Art, Research Paper, Spring 2017, Douglas Green, Page 1 of 2 Modern Art/Final Research Paper Your major assignment for this class is the Final Research Paper, an essay that is comprehensive in scope and will require you to utilize your skills in art theory and visual literacy towards an argument. You will need to use the critical abilities we have been practicing in class as building blocks in a theoretical/historical topic that is completely up to you. The only limitation is that your subject should relate to the scope and concepts studied in the course. Undoubtedly you will need to bring in more than one artwork to flesh out your debate. Important Due Dates 1. PAPER TOPIC – due Monday, March 27. You only need to send a sentence or two via email, and your topic can be broad in scope. Be sure to send this to me by the due date or you will lose credit for this portion of the assignment. 2. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY – due Monday, April 10. You will need to prepare an annotated bibliography of your research that will comprise 15% of the grade for your final research paper. You will need to include the following in your annotated bibliography: a. The list of sources that may come into play in your final draft. b. A few sentences as to the relevancy, accuracy, and reasoning behind each source. c. A working thesis (though this can change in your final draft). 3. FINAL DRAFT – due Monday, April 24, 12:00 pm (afternoon). Please email your final research paper to me via MS Word attachment AND by cutting/pasting the entire document into the body of your email. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL BACK, I DID NOT RECEIVE YOUR ESSAY AND YOU WILL LOSE ALL CREDIT FOR THIS REQUIREMENT. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED… PERIOD! Your final draft should adhere to the following guidelines: a. Your paper cannot be less than 2,200 words long. This is not counting any headers/footers, works cited page, or the title. If your paper is even one word less than the length requirement, I will take 25% off your paper. b. You will need to use a minimum of two separate sources from the assigned readings (though as always, you are invited to use more if you like). You should demonstrate in your writing that you understand the nuances of the various theorists’ and historicists’ positions as they explicate their ideas. Be sure to use M.L.A. methods of citation when quoting or paraphrasing their writing. c. You will need to use at least three outside sources to flesh out your debate. The essays that we are studying in class only provide a small glimpse at the ideas that underlie modern art. There are countless writers that have contributed to the canon of modern art, you need to find at least three that will best suit the needs of your paper. You should be able to demonstrate your ability to choose appropriate research materials that relate to your topic. Obviously you should avoid citing such sources as Wikipedia, Artnet.com, Oxford Art Online, and general encyclopedias and dictionaries (though all these sources can be useful places to begin your research). Your citation materials should show they were carefully selected for their academic nature, relevance to the subject matter, and level of depth. d. You will need to use M.L.A. citation methods. A.P.A. is not acceptable. Modern Art, Research Paper, Spring 2017, Douglas Green, Page 2 of 2 Criteria for Evaluation of the Research Paper 1. EVIDENCE OF AN ORIGINAL ANALYSIS— It is easy to look up a work on the internet and provide me with a canned response regarding the artist’s intent or an analysis by another writer. More than anything, I will be looking for evidence of your personal thought processes. Be bold enough to ignore what art history scholars have collectively determined is the meaning of your chosen artwork, and have the confidence to disregard the objective of the artist. 2. PROFICIENT APPLICATION OF THE ASSIGNED ESSAYS— This item is one of the primary elements on which I will assess your essay. You will need to demonstrate through the use of effective quotation and synopsis how the appropriate assigned readings relate to the artwork you have chosen. You do not need to use every essay, only those that make sense to use in connection with your analysis. When quoting a text successfully, you should provide greater context for the quotation by relating it to the essay as a whole and to the artwork you are discussing. 3. EFFECTIVE WRITING SKILLS—In your essay, I will assess your ability to craft a successful argument that is cited correctly using M.L.A. format and free of spelling, grammar, and syntax errors. Your writing should follow an organized, well thought-out essay structure that includes a clearly stated thesis that is appropriately qualified. You should be able to state your argument in the beginning of your writing, subsequently lead your reader through logically presented supporting information, and end with an interesting conclusion that is distinct from the thesis. Things to avoid in your paper: 1. PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND DECLARATIONS OF TASTE—In your essay, you should not include your own, unedited thought processes regarding any personal impressions of the artwork. It takes some considerable skill in writing to effectively harness the first person “I” in an academic paper. Instead, provide your analysis using a neutral, academic tone. Additionally, please refrain from telling me if you like a work of art (or dislike it). Please do not tell me that a painting is a “masterpiece” or the artist is a “genius.” Again, simply communicate to your reader what the artwork is conceptually doing. 2. EXCESSIVE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE ARTWORK—Though some written description will be expected of you, do not indulge in lavish portrayals of what the works looks like. Such writing is merely “filler” as I will have images open on my computer that deal with your topic as I grade your papers. The only written description that is acceptable is that which supports your thesis. 3. YOUR BAD SPELLING AND GRAMMAR—I should not have to tell you this, but please proofread your papers before submitting them to me. Correct your spelling mistakes, improper grammar, sloppy syntax, poor word choice, and unorganized essay structure. If you have difficulties in writing an essay, I urge you to set up an appointment with the Writing Center where you will have access to writing tutors that will help you with essay FOR FREE!