Dr. Nurper Gökhan
General Psychology
SSY101
MoMA/Psychology Term Paper: Relating a Psychological Concept to Art
Purpose: To examine a psychological concept that the students choose through an
analysis of a piece of art. Although students are required to research the art and the artist
briefly, the focal point of this project is research of the psychological concept and
therefore, art is merely used as a tool to explore this concept, not as the core of the
project.
Task: Students will visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and select an art piece that
they see on exhibit there. Then, having selected a psychological concept from the course
materials, they will write about the relationship between psychology and that piece of art.
Students can examine the piece of work itself, or the artist–whether it is about their
personality, their background, their philosophy– or whatever captures their interest to
connect to psychology.
Description of the Project: The final paper will be typed, double-spaced (font size 12),
and 8-10 pages in length, following an APA writing format. It must be handed in with all
copies of peer-reviewed papers and notes. It should also include a cover letter, picture of
the piece of art and the artist, along with the MoMA ticket stub, as well as copies of
scholarly articles that you have selected. Please check syllabus for specific due dates.
Examples of Past Topics: Dali’s The Persistence of Memory (1931) and Alzheimer’s
Dementia process; vanGogh’s The Starry Night (1889) and the role of spirituality in one’s
happiness; Rauschenberg’s Bed (1955) and the function of REM sleep; Warhol’s Orange
Car Crash Fourteen Times (1963) and the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD).
Staging of the Project:
Stage I: Understanding Art: What does it mean to examine art and make reflections
on a work of art?
A. Low-stake assignment “Warm-Up Exercise for the MoMA Project.”
DATE: 2nd WEEK
B. Guided Museum Visit to MoMA. DATE: 3rd WEEK
C. Students’ Individual Visit to MoMA. DATE: 3rd WEEK
Stage II: Selection of art and psychological concept and beginning background
research.
Hand in a one-page reflection paper on your selection of art following the
“Warm-Up Exercise” format. Include the title and the picture of the art piece, the
artist’s name, the year it was created and the list of key words related to the
chosen psychological concept. DUE DATE: 4th WEEK
Stage III: Researching the psychological concept.
A. Library visit: Participate in a class at the LaGuardia Community College
Library to learn how to do library research. DATE: 5th WEEK
B. Library research: Start compiling sources, e.g., journal articles, books, etc.
that will be used in the paper. DATE: BETWEEN 5th & 7th WEEK
C. Peer-critique of research session: Bring copies of all sources to be used
and the “Peer-Critique of Research Sheet” to class. Students will critique
each
other’s selection of sources in class. DATE: 7th WEEK
Stage IV: Paper.
A. Students will bring in two copies of their paper with a cover letter including
the copies of sources. DUE DATE: 9th WEEK
B. The cover letter should address:



Which part of the paper you are satisfied with ...
What specific sections or questions you need help with ...
any other issues that concern you ...
C. Peer-review and feedback: Students will read and peer-review each
other’s paper using the “Peer-Review Sheet” and return their feedback in
week. DUE DATE FOR THE RETURN OF PEER-REVIEW: 10th WEEK
one
Stage V: Revised paper.
Hand in a portfolio which includes the revised paper, and all other work done on
previous stages (i.e., “Warm-UP Exercises”, one-page reflection on selected art
and psychology topic, picture of the art, peer-critique sheet, peer-review sheet,
drafts, first paper, notes, etc.) along with copies of all sources.
DUE DATE: 12th WEEK