Your discussion paper is seen as an extension of your discussion previous assignments. As such, this paper, though researched, remains a conversation and not a report. This said, it is a pretty good idea to follow directions put forth by already established styles, such as MLA (https://style.mla.org/) or CMS (https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html) . Here is another link to some rather helpful information: http://www.collegescholarships.org/mla-apa-cms-styles.htm
Written below are items that will guide you in this process.
1.) Your assignment is to select one—no more than 2—artworks, structures and/or performances to analyze and discuss.
2.) Remember to take notes that will help you to describe, interpret, and analyze these visual works. Yes, you are able to make use of a Mind Map to help establish the foundation of your text as you begin to organize your ideas.
3.) Keep in mind that while some of the information can be gathered from your textbook, and the screenings that you have viewed this semester, researched information can also be gathered from online scholarly sources, such as, JStor or Goggle scholar.
4.) Remember to cite (quote) any terms, phrases, sentences, etc. used in your paper.
5.) Art terms, art styles, technology, cultural, social or political movements should be included in your analysis.
6.) Your paper is to be between 4 written pages and no more than 6 written pages in length and should be numbered accordingly. For example, if you write 4-pages, then the reference page or bibliography can be a page…total 5 pages. This count does not include the title page of your paper.
7.) Paragraph spacing for your discussion paper can be either 1.5 or double-spaced. Letter point size 11 or 12. Font can be one of the following: Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Geneva or Times New Roman.
8.) Word count for this discussion paper should not exceed 1400 words. Be sure to place the word count on the title page.
Labeling
The title page, though a bit more formal than your discussing assignments, brings a more formal quality to your final paper.
Current Date
Student’s Name
Title of your Paper (Be creative!)
Course title & number plus the Instructor’s name
Word Count (No more than 1400 words)
Content
To be able to persuasively discuss any work selected, you are asked to identify, analyze, describe, interpret, and critique your subject prior to arguing your position. To assist you with this be sure to record—take notes— of your first impression or gut reaction to any artwork you select. This might be an interesting way to begin to discuss the art viewed.
Next, consider visiting a virtual gallery or museum where you will be able to study in greater detail what you have chosen to write about and create a presentation.
For those who are interested in writing about an architectural structure, public artwork or other form present within the arts, feel free to select of these items to research online. Once you have decided on the work or works that you will discuss, be sure to include the following:
Title of the Artwork or Structure (Architecture, Monument or Statue or Sculpture) or Performance (Music, Dance, Performance Art or Theatrical Performance)
Medium (single pigment or other material) /Media (Combination of mediums in a single work)
Date the artwork is completed
The following questions may help your own potential responses to your query:
Does the title (or titles) of the artwork, performance or structure inform the way I perceive the it and how it was created?
Is the art, structure, performance related to a theme in history?
What is the cultural context?
Are there social or political components related to art, structure or performance?
What words am I to use to interpret & describe these works?
Does the material used to create the art or structures influence how you perceive and interpret it? If so, how?
With respect to the themes, concepts & ideas discussed in connection any historical or cultural movements, how is the art, structure or performance similar or different?
Approach
There are so many ways in which to approach writing about and creating a presentation on the subject that you wish to discuss. As one who is invited to view these presentations as well as read any of the posted papers keep in mind that (like anything that you pick up to read or sit down to watch) you do not want to nod off or fall asleep by what you see or hear.
Remember what you are going to be diving into, writing about and sharing with the entire class is something that you feel passionate about and what all of us to be equally exciting to read and see. Any great story, even if this story resides in history, needs a hook—a line of text—to draw readers and viewers into the narrative concerning what is being considered.
Analyzing your Subject…
Solve the Mystery of the subject you are discussing
If you want to move beyond concerns of timeline, first start with a subject that truly interest you, then consider analyzing your subject based on any or all of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design.
How does composition and the placement of your selected subject impact viewers’ relationship to what is being viewed?
Does line, color or mass & volume play a role in this analysis?
What is the tone or/and mood of this particular subject?
What new connections can be made?
What social clues or cultural symbols are present?
What key elements are present?
Did aesthetic beauty play a role in the work? If so, how?
If this is a past work, how does it relate (if at all) to present times? If it is a work comments on or is constructed with non-traditional or materials of today, how does it (if it does) relate to the past?
You are able to consider the questions above as well as other things, such as, social, cultural, literary, economic, political, spiritual or other areas that may connect to the subject selected.
Your Discussion Paper as a PPT in Text & Image
Your PowerPoint (PPT) Presentation is directly related to your Discussion Paper topic. Listed below outlines what needs to appear or is optional in appearing in your presentation.
Slides included: 15 to 20
Images: 10 to 20. These images can be still or moving or a combination of still & moving
Narration/voice over: Yes. Here each of you vocally discuss your selected work
PPT Animation of Text & Images: Optional, though including this is absolutely looked upon favorably
Sound/Music: Optional
I am also providing links to several online informational videos towards the creation of some rather exciting PPTs. These, I believe will help everyone creating some rather engaging final presentations.