You may choose to develop a Research Report or an iSearch paper as the Signature Assignment for this class.
The art work images already in the file. Need to compare the Las Meninas(Velasquez) vs. White Guise(Saar)
Both options provide the opportunity to research and then develop a comparison of two learning objects from the list of pairs.
1. The research report follows a conventional essay format in developing your comparison. This means that your report will present the topic using an
introduction, and will develop the comparison using body paragraphs. A concluding paragraph summarizes what you learned or areas for further exploration.
Your ideas, and arguments for this paper must be guided by/supported by facts from college appropriate research, which the student cites/acknowledges
through in-text citations.
2. An iSearch paper is written in the first person, and presents a record of your research, your exploration into using books, Wikipedia, museum websites and
databases, an explanation of your process, and finally, how writing this paper has affected or changed your thinking about visual culture.
Whichever option you choose, this Signature Assignment should be between approximately 1200 to 1500 words, including captions for your visual images,
but NOT INCLUDING the written text for your annotations. Please save in a PDF file format.
This assignment should demonstrate your best ability in written communication, critical thinking, and information literacy.
PROMPT: Select a pair of objects from the list of pairs provided by your instructor. Provide a thorough and detailed descriiption of each object (do a formal
analysis). Research each object. Based on the results of your research, with the canon in mind, establish connections between the two objects using ONE of
the following ways of knowing:
1. contextual analysis– context refers to a comparison of the differing socio-political-economic conditions that are present and impacting culture in the two
time periods of objects you’ve chosen
2. semiotic analysis — semiotic analysis refers to a comparison of the differing ways two diverse time periods use signs and symbols
3. gender analysis — gender analysis refers to a comparison of how the time periods define, empower, privilege and represent gender
In your conclusion, discuss new and/or unexpected insights you gained from your research and analysis of your comparison, and possibly about Visual
Culture more generally.
III. Research Report/ iSearch Paper Draft
Drafting is an important part of good writing. Like any kind of art and design making, no one is really satisfied with their first attempt. Everyone wants good
feedback, suggestions for improvement, glaring errors or omissions pointed out. The same is true for writing. Good writers are not born, they are the result of
practice, drafting and feedback.
Getting feedback on your draft will definitely improve the quality of your written communication, critical thinking, and information literacy. Your instructor will
use the rubric to grade your draft, and provide comments. This will be returned to you via email. Your revised Signature Assignment and annotations are due
two weeks after the draft is returned. The due date will be stipulated by your instructor in your email.
IV. Annotations for Research Report/ iSearch Paper
Final Annotations are due and submitted with your Research Report or iSearch paper.
An annotated bibliography is a precise explanation of the relevance, authority, accuracy and point of view or purpose of your source. This is where you will
justify the credibility and value of your source and demonstrate your Information Literacy (your ability to locate, identify, and evaluate information) about the
sources that you are using. In an annotated bibliography, you evaluate the following:
author credentials
type of source and the intended audience
purpose / bias / points of view
relevance of source to the paper
currency of the source
You will write at least TWO ANNOTATIONS for your Research Report or iSearch paper.
Your annotation will be a comprehensive paragraph that demonstrates your ability to identify and evaluate the source that you are using.