Alternate Art History Project (Combined Eng 112

and Art 201/202)

First, READ THE HANDOUT FOR THE CLASS PROJECT  in both Eng 112 handouts and in Art 201/202 handouts, and then consider this alternative:

If you want to combine your Eng 112 author project assignment with this Art 201/202 artist project, you will need to select an author from the list that has written fiction based on a work or works of art.  You will see those names noted on the list with an * after their name. 

Your project focus will be a triangle of examining the author and the artist as well as analyzing an aspect of the novel that includes a study of the art work being highlighted in the novel.  For example, if I were to choose Girl with a Pearl Earring, my focus would include a look at Tracey Chevalier and how/when she became an author as well as a look at Vermeer (the subject artist in the book) and some aspect of his paintings in the novel that Chevalier uses to tell her story.  My analysis would include a close look at the art/artist impact and Chevalier’s use of that impact in the writing of the novel.  My paper would include background information of both Chevalier and Vermeer, Chevalier’s impetus for writing the work, and then an analysis of an aspect (or aspects) of the novel itself that connects story and artwork(s) in that writing.

With the “combo” analysis, the paper naturally becomes a larger work—and coupled with the fact that it counts for two class projects, the page minimum grows to 7 pages (try not to go over 10!).  The guide elements for the project remain the same, with the annotated timeline relying on either the artist or the author—you choose.  That timeline, however, should make reference to where the two cross—how and why the author chose that art/artist(s) and where you see the defining connection between the two.

Looking at this combined impact offers you a challenging project that employs both writing and art in a fascinating element:  the novel.  Time-wise, this project should not take more than the standard project for either class in the realm of research information.  The paper-writing will be a bit more intensive as you marry the ideas you’ve gained from both “realms.”  But the investment is worth the time as you see art influencing literature in powerful stories/images. 

**Whether you are in the Eng 112/Art 202 combination or just in one of those courses, this option is open to you.

Due dates, regardless of which project you do, apply as posted.