Independent Research Paper (25%) & In-Class Presentation (5%)
Fall 2017
Your primary independent research and writing project for the semester is to develop an 8-page paper exploring a significant art exhibition or theatrical production in context. This should be written on a performance/exhibition we have not seen together as a class and should focus on a singular artist or company from any period in any genre of art. To complete this assignment effectively, you must attend the show in person this semester. Since this is a research paper, focusing on prominent artists who have generated substantial criticism would be helpful, especially if there has been scholarly engagement with their work. More obscure artists will make research more challenging, though I’m open to suggestions.
This project requires that you conduct in-depth research in the library and online, finding sources that will help you contextualize and historicize the artist’s work within their specific medium (i.e. theatre, sculpture, painting, dance, etc.). Your paper should make an argument about this work and use evidence gathered from research to support thesis. You should also draw from field notes taken during your site visit(s) to help explain the artist’s development and techniques, making specific reference to the work(s) you viewed. Be sure to keep the program and visit the production website to aid in the research process.
This paper is not a performance review and should not be about whether you personally liked or didn’t like the show, but should instead contextualize and explain the significance of the work itself and how it maintains or pushes artistic boundaries. In addition to connecting your research to the production, you might also wish to apply some of the aesthetic/social theories we have read and discussed this semester as a critical framework, though this is not required.
As you visit the production, consider the following questions: What aspects of the show are you interested in? Its formal components? Its thematic components? A mix of both? Are you interested in the implications of identity and representation? Of power? Of geographical location? Your paper should apply some of the terminology and ideas we have learned about in class. A successful paper will move beyond summarizing what you saw or giving a biographical sketch of the artist; instead, you should examine the wider historical and cultural context from which this production/exhibit emerged, how it was created, where it was staged, and its cultural significance. Avoid “data dumping,” or simply listing/summarizing facts found during your research period. Instead, think about how you can demonstrate and defend an original argument using these sources.
At the end of the semester once your paper is submitted, you will give a brief 5-7 minute presentation of your findings to the class, including a Powerpoint with relevant images and a short overview of your research. Note that the assignment will be developed across the semester and has several stages to encourage thoughtful engagement and revision with your paper.
A note on cost: Please do not spend a lot of money (or any!) to complete this project. NYC is full of opportunities for free or discounted events with your student or idNYC cards. In class, I will discuss discount ticket opportunities and provide you with a list of some suggested exhibits or productions on which you might focus (though you will not be limited to this list). If you have something in mind, but you’re finding it difficult to get an affordable ticket, come and speak to me immediately so we can figure something out.
DUE DATES:
One-Paragraph Topic Proposal: October 11th (by email before class)
Library Workshop: October 11th
One-Page Revised Topic Description and Annotated Bibliography: November 1st (by email)
Once I have approved your initial paper ideas and offered feedback, you will proceed with developing a more coherent project outline. In this phase of the assignment, you will present an expanded description of your research topic and establish the structure of your essay by presenting the central areas that will support your argument. You should identify your thesis statement by bolding it in your paper (i.e. the key argument of your research).
This outline should be based on the initial research you have conducted surrounding your topic. You must provide an annotated bibliography of sources, which should include at least 4 scholarly sources along with other sources such as interviews, curator notes, exhibition books, etc. (along with any Primary Sources you’ve consulted such as a play text) and write 2 sentences per entry. Your bibliography should be handed in on a separate page from your project outline. Citational instructions for MLA or Chicago style can be found at: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/.
