Course: Communication (Criticism and the Public Arts)
There are no correct answers, well supported, clearly written essays may be constructed from a variety of perspectives. Entirely opposite arguments and positions are possible. The objective is to analyze the problem carefully, synthesize materials effectively, and express your views and conclusions coherently. Be sure to make appropriate references to course readings and discussions (include films and any materials from your sections where appropriate). Theses should be used for as evidence and examples for whatever position you express. Read the question carefully and make certain to proofread your papers before turning them in. Writing matters: as usual, clear and grammatically correct writing is expected.
Rules:
- typed
- 7 pages in length
- double spaced
- MLA format
- Include work cited page
- Cite all sources
- At least 3 sources (at least one text and one film)
Prompt:
The peculiar schedule this Quarter for Communication has made it impossible to cover visual artworks (paintings, sculptures, photography, etc.) as examples of social and political communication. This prompt is intended as an extra option for students with interests in these artistic forms. Your task this time involves some research. You need to find and use one visual artwork that will encourage an audience of entering UCLA students (perhaps at a summer orientation before Fall classes begin) to become more active, engaged citizens. You need, as before, to discuss the work in reasonable depth and detail and indicate precisely why it would meet your objectives with this particular audience. Please limit your research to the following major historical and contemporary artists: Francisco Goya, Käthe Kollwitz, Ben Shahn, Diego Rivera, Jacob Lawrence, Noni Olabisi, and Barbara Kruger. They produced hundreds of politically provocative works that you might use. Paul Von Blum’s books on this topic also contain many examples of political and social visual artworks, including these artists. These artists and their works are also available on the web.
In your paper, you need to reproduce a copy of the work you choose and go into considerable detail about this example. Indicate why specifically this visual art is especially useful in generating more active and aware students entering UCLA.
**Keep in mind this is not a research paper, it’s just an essay that requires some research. You should follow an essay structure that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion, with of course a clear thesis. It needs to be a personal response and analyzation versus being a research paper. Supported evidence need to include at least one text and film, and all claims need to be backed up. All parts of the prompt needs to be answered and the form should be clear, concise, and well organized.**
Your paper should have the following:
- INCORPORATE ELEMENTS OF THE COURSEWORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE VISUAL ARTWORK
- Engaging and full development of a clear thesis as appropriate to assignment purpose
- Consistent evidence with originality and depth of ideas; ideas work together as a unified whole; main points are sufficiently supported (with evidence); support is valid and specific
- Organization is sequential and appropriate to assignment; paragraphs are well developed and appropriately divided; ideas linked with smooth and effective transitions
- Clear discernment of distinctive audience; tone and point-of-view appropriate to the assignment
- Each sentence structured effectively, powerfully; rich, well-chosen variety of sentence styles and length
- Virtually free of punctuation, spelling, capitalization error; appropriate format and presentation for assignment
Course readings:
The Plague – Albert Camus
The Shape of Content – Ben Shahn
Course Films:
Triumph of the Will
Night and Fog
Sophie Scholl: The Last Days
Hearts and Minds
Missing
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