Ancient Mediterranean Art
Formal Analysis Research Paper
Ancient Mediterranean Art (HAA 230)
By course end you will have written a formal analysis research paper. That is, you will have written a paper that combines the close looking, careful describing, and grounded interpretation of a work of art with the aptly selected content of relevant primary and secondary textual sources.
At the center of this paper will be one of three different “object” types: an original work of art in the Oriental Institute Museum, an ancient-inspired architectural work in Chicago, or the ancient-inspired art and architecture of a movie (more on these below).
All papers must include a description of the “object’s” formal elements (such as line, color, texture, spatial qualities, and composition) and medium and how they contribute to the function of the “object” and its effect on the viewer. To the extent possible and/or appropriate, consider subject matter, style, and the physical environment of the “object” (in the case of a work of art in the OI Museum, you will want to imagine the original physical environment of the object). A strong paper will incorporate comparisons from class into analyses and/or interpretations. Finally, the paper should include reference to five primary or secondary textual sources*. Three of these sources can be from class (i.e. from the non-textbook readings covered on our syllabus).
The paper should be 3-5 pages long (typed and single-spaced). It should also be clearly written, well organized, and carefully argued. In order to satisfy these requirements, the introduction to your paper should begin with a clear thesis statement, that is a statement that you will use the body of your text to argue toward, and a conclusion summarizing the achievement of this text. If you would like help meeting any of these goals, please contact the Writing Center. To make an appointment with the Center, visit their website (condor.depaul.edu/writing) or click the “University Center for
Ancient Mediterranean Art (HAA 230)
By course end you will have written a formal analysis research paper. That is, you will have written a paper that combines the close looking, careful describing, and grounded interpretation of a work of art with the aptly selected content of relevant primary and secondary textual sources.
At the center of this paper will be one of three different “object” types: an original work of art in the Oriental Institute Museum, an ancient-inspired architectural work in Chicago, or the ancient-inspired art and architecture of a movie (more on these below).
All papers must include a description of the “object’s” formal elements (such as line, color, texture, spatial qualities, and composition) and medium and how they contribute to the function of the “object” and its effect on the viewer. To the extent possible and/or appropriate, consider subject matter, style, and the physical environment of the “object” (in the case of a work of art in the OI Museum, you will want to imagine the original physical environment of the object). A strong paper will incorporate comparisons from class into analyses and/or interpretations. Finally, the paper should include reference to five primary or secondary textual sources*. Three of these sources can be from class (i.e. from the non-textbook readings covered on our syllabus).
The paper should be 3-5 pages long (typed and single-spaced). It should also be clearly written, well organized, and carefully argued. In order to satisfy these requirements, the introduction to your paper should begin with a clear thesis statement, that is a statement that you will use the body of your text to argue toward, and a conclusion summarizing the achievement of this text. If you would like help meeting any of these goals, please contact the Writing Center. To make an appointment with the Center, visit their website (condor.depaul.edu/writing) or click the “University Center for