Art History 2 Research Paper
Field Trip: February 28, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Topic Due: March 26 Paper Due: April 16
Length: Body of the paper should be at least 2000 words , typed, double spaced. The bibliography, title page, and other support documentation are not included as part of the 2000 words
1. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and/or the Menil Collection. Save your sticker
(MFAH) or take a pamphlet (Menil) to attach to your paper. The Menil is free, and the
MFAH is free Thursdays or to students on assignment (bring school ID and this sheet).
Maps and museum details are attached.
2. Select a work of art that is on exhibit from a period and culture we will study this semester. You will then select a corresponding work from your text: a. The two pieces may be from the same period and/or culture. Your paper will describe these two works of art, placing them in the context of the culture’s art and society. You must clearly state how these works of art represent their culture’s artistic styles, beliefs, and society in general. b. Alternatively, you can choose to compare and contrast pieces from different cultures or periods. If you choose this option, you need to come up with a clear thesis relating the works of art. For example, compare a European landscape painting to a Japanese one from approximately the same time. You may want to make several possible selections so you can see what research sources are available. Note: you are likely to find a lot of information on your text piece and less on the museum piece. c. Most of the work should be from the time periods covered in the book, which vary from chapter to chapter, but are generally created before 1400. However, some topics may work with more modern examples of the culture’s artwork
If there is continuity . Some examples: Compare the earlier work of the earlier Maya to the more recent Aztec, which was greatly influenced by the Maya. Or, compare an ancient classical piece to a Renaissance one.
3. Your paper should cover topics that are relevant to the class in terms of subject. You need to choose appropriate works from both the museum and the text, and you need to discuss the art.
This will involve other aspects of the culture, which you are free to talk about, but be sure to relate them to the visual arts.
4. Research :

You need at least 2 topic-specific print sources from books or other scholarly sources such as art or archeology magazines. Topic specific means that these sources are specialized, rather than being encyclopedias or surveys. (If you were comparing the above mentioned Greek and Roman figures, books on Greek and Roman art would be good, books on Greek or Roman figural sculpture would be better, and a book or article about your specific piece would be better still). E-books are acceptable as long as they have the complete text of books or articles that have also been published in print . Your

bibliography should clarify this by stating: Complete text of _____, with the other bibliographic information.

You also need at least 2 research quality internet sources (Not wikipedia or online stores/vendors/catalogs or sites with an obviously biased agenda)
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You can use as many sources as you want to, including surveys, such as your text, and encyclopedias in addition to the above. These should all be included in your bibliography.

Be sure to properly cite all works, using quotes where appropriate. Your bibliography should list all sources consulted, not just those directly cited. Include a printout of the first page of all internet sources consulted.
5. Enough research should be completed by the time your topic is due that you can commit the topic and list 2 research sources (besides the text and museum website). Late topics will result in 3 points being taken off the paper for each class period they are late. Topics that don’t match the final paper will loose these points from the topic due date to when the paper is turned in. Late papers lose 10 points for each class period they are late.
6. College level writing is expected. Your paper should be well written and well organized.
You should have a clear unifying thesis, and should present your information logically.
Check your spelling and grammar. M. L. A. format is suggested but not required.
7. Submit the body of your written paper to Turnitin.com. After ignoring quotes and bibliography, your originality report should be below 15%. Additionally, no more than
35% of the paper should be quoted material. If these criteria are not met, fix and resubmit the paper. Turnitin also provides a word count, which should be 2000 or more.
You should submit your paper at least 48 hours before it is due.
Turnitin Class ID: 6113222 Password: chiaroscuro
8. If you are at all unclear about what constitutes plagiarism, speak to me for clarification
BEFORE turning in your paper.
Paper Checklist
1. Topic form completed and turned in by due date a. Pieces from the museum and book identified b. Two research sources – books, articles, websites (in addition to the textbook or the museum website) c. Museum proof (sticker, receipt, pamphlet) UNLESS you signed in with me at the museum. d. Signed plagiarism statement
2. Paper itself
– hard copy
3. Bibliography/works cited page(s) with: a. 3 topic specific sources b. 2 internet sources c. Your textbook d. any other sources you consulted
4. First page of all internet sources

Topic Form – Art History 2 Research Paper
Spring Semester, 2013 Westloop Campus, TTh, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Name:___________________________________
Title of piece from your book:
Page#________ Plate #__________
Title of piece from the museum: (attach museum proof – staple sticker, receipt, or pamphlet to this form
– if you didn’t sign in with me on the field trip)
Museum (check one): _____MFAH _____Menil _____Other (with permission)
Paper topic: (Briefly summarize what you plan to discuss in your paper
Source # 1 (book, article, website, film… This should be in addition to your textbook and the museum website):
Source #2:
I have read the college policy on scholastic dishonesty on my syllabus. I understand this policy and I understand that if I have plagiarized in my paper, I will receive a grade of zero for the paper, and I may fail the course.
___________________________________________ _________________________
Signature Date

Paper Rubric Checklist – Art History 2
Student:_______________________________ Class: West Loop, TTh 2-3:30pm, Spring 2013
Paper Topic: On time (3/26) _______________ accurate: ______________________
Pieces from museum and text listed:_________________ Two sources:_____________
Museum Proof:_______________________ Signed plagiarism statement:____________
Paper: On time (4/16)_______________ Word count:________ Turnitin %: __________
2+ internet: sources:________ Bibliography: 2 + topic specific print sources:________
First page of internet sources: _____________ Deductions: __________
Paper Content:
Excellent Adequate Needs Improvement
Appropriate works chosen & identified
Thesis
Idea/Connection
Supporting
Research
Writing:
Supporting
Arguments
Insights, Deductions
Observations
Excellent Adequate Needs Improvement
Spelling/Grammar
Organization
Language/Voice
Base Grade: ____________ - Deductions: _____________ = Grade for Paper: _____________