How the social, cultural, and/or historical context of creative works
Students are to write a 67-page final research paper that analyzes any humanities-based topic of their choosing and connects the topic historically and modernly in the United States. Students must create an argument or thesis statement related to the arts (literary, visual, performing, etc.) and support that argument with reliable evidence. Students must also identify how the social, cultural, and/or historical context of creative works (literature, music, visual art, popular culture, architecture, etc.) showcase their meanings, values, and/or significance.
For Paper: Interpret how the social, cultural, and/or historical context of creative works (literature, music, visual art, popular culture, architecture, etc.) inform their meanings, values, and/or significance. Analyze and apply the themes, symbols, and messages in creative works to your own lives, identities, and experiences. Analyze how creative works are used to contest, assert, or mediate social and cultural power related to race, class, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and/or religion. Develop an argument or thesis statement related to the arts (literary, visual, performing, etc.) and support that argument with reliable evidence. Be critical, and identify/apply key themes and characteristics learned from our course. Draw connections with your personal life. Write a 6-7-page paper using 4 or more sources. 2 outside sources and 2 sources from our class. Papers must be at least 6 total pages long and follow standard MLA formatting (typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins). Please cite (using MLA) all of the required sources and have a Works Cited page.
Potential Research Topics and Thesis Statements
Here are some potential research topics and thesis statements to get you started:
Topic 1: The Impact of the Harlem Renaissance on American Literature
Thesis: The Harlem Renaissance marked a significant cultural and intellectual movement that challenged racial stereotypes and gave voice to the African American experience.
- Key Questions to Explore:
- How did the Harlem Renaissance writers use their art to challenge racial and social injustice?
- What were the key themes and motifs explored in Harlem Renaissance literature?
- How did the Harlem Renaissance influence subsequent generations of African American writers?
Topic 2: The Role of Music in the Civil Rights Movement
Thesis: Music played a crucial role in mobilizing the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring social change, and shaping American culture.
- Key Questions to Explore:
- How did musicians like Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown use their music to protest racial injustice?
- What were the key musical genres and styles associated with the Civil Rights Movement?
- How did music contribute to the success of the Civil Rights Movement?
Topic 3: The Representation of Women in 19th-Century American Literature
Thesis: 19th-century American literature often portrayed women in stereotypical roles, but some female writers challenged these conventions and explored the complexities of female identity.
- Key Questions to Explore:
- How did societal expectations and gender roles influence the portrayal of women in 19th-century American literature?
- What were the challenges faced by female writers during this period?
- How did female writers use their work to challenge gender norms and advocate for women's rights?
Topic 4: The Impact of Pop Art on American Culture
Thesis: Pop art challenged traditional notions of high and low culture, reflecting the consumer culture of the 1950s and 1960s.
- Key Questions to Explore:
- How did Pop artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein use mass media and consumer culture as inspiration for their work?
- What was the impact of Pop art on American society and culture?
- How did Pop art challenge traditional artistic conventions and redefine the role of the artist?
Remember to:
- Use credible sources: Peer-reviewed articles, academic books, and reputable online databases are excellent sources.
- Develop a strong thesis statement: Your thesis statement should be clear, concise, and arguable.
- Analyze and interpret: Don't just summarize the information; analyze it and draw meaningful conclusions.
- Use evidence to support your claims: Cite specific examples from the texts you're analyzing.
- Consider the historical and cultural context: How did the social, political, and economic factors of the time influence the creation and reception of the works?
- Connect the past to the present: How do the ideas and themes explored in these works still resonate today?
- Write clearly and concisely: Use clear and concise language, and avoid unnecessary jargon.
- Proofread carefully: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
By following these guidelines, you can create a strong and insightful research paper that demonstrates your understanding of the course material and your ability to think critically about the arts.