In Last Week's Module, You Discussed Your Final Paper Ideas

In Last Weeks Module You Discussed Your Final Paper Ideas In That Pr

In last week's module you discussed your final paper ideas. In that proposal, you selected an American modern artist(s) and your thesis. This week, you will use the feedback from your classmates and instructor to narrow and refine your topic, develop a short outline, and do preliminary research to identify supporting topics. Your thesis should state your purpose or position for the paper—an idea, opinion, or exploratory perspective—not a factual overview of a movement or biography. For example, avoid stating "Frank Lloyd Wright was a very advanced architect with a unique style," as it lacks a debatable position. Instead, craft a thesis like "Frank Lloyd Wright's respect for nature in his designs directly influenced modern green architecture." Your thesis should be clear and focused, enabling you to develop supporting arguments.While you do not need to include a full introduction or conclusion, you must clarify your thesis statement and outline supporting topics that relate directly to proving your position. Each supporting topic should be based on preliminary research and linked to your thesis. If a specific artwork supports your argument, include how you plan to analyze it to demonstrate its relevance. Use the sample outline provided or create your own, ensuring your outline includes:

  • Thesis statement
  • Introduction (with thesis)
  • Supporting topics with supporting items
  • Conclusion
  • Research bibliography of at least three credible sources (full APA citations)

Remember, avoid listing unrelated facts or topics such as early life or influences unless they directly pertain to your core argument. Focus your outline and research on supporting your thesis with relevant evidence and analysis.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of developing a scholarly paper on an American modern artist requires crafting a focused thesis that offers a unique, arguable perspective. This approach moves beyond generic biography or movement overviews, encouraging critical analysis and contextual understanding. A well-constructed thesis centers on how the artist's work, ideas, or influence contribute to broader themes or contemporary practices, rather than recounting factual details.

In creating the outline, it is essential to identify supporting topics that substantiate the thesis. Each supporting topic should serve as a pillar of the argument and be grounded in preliminary research. For instance, if exploring how a specific artist contributed to abstract expressionism, supporting topics might include their innovative techniques, thematic concerns, or influence on later artists. To effectively argue this, detailed analysis of key artworks is necessary, examining composition, materials, and thematic content. For example, analyzing Jackson Pollock's drip paintings could reveal how his techniques exemplify the abstract movement’s emphasis on process over form.

Choosing credible sources is critical. Peer-reviewed articles, books by reputable art historians, and exhibition catalogs provide authoritative insights. For example, Albert Boime's work on American art movements offers contextual understanding, while current museum publications provide updated scholarship. Proper citation ensures academic integrity and allows readers to verify sources.

Each supporting topic should directly relate back to the thesis, illustrating how each element contributes to the overall argument. This coherence ensures the paper remains focused and persuasive. For example, if the thesis posits that American modern artists challenged traditional narratives of identity, supporting topics might include analysis of artworks addressing racial or gender themes, and how these challenged societal perceptions. Analyzing works like Jacob Lawrence’s depictions of African American history or Georgia O’Keeffe’s exploration of female autonomy would exemplify this approach.

Throughout the research and outline development process, maintaining a critical perspective is vital. This involves questioning how artworks and artistic strategies achieve particular social or political effects, and how they resonate with contemporary issues. The analytical process transforms descriptive observations into insightful arguments, strengthening the final paper.

In summary, devising an effective final paper on an American modern artist hinges on a clear, debatable thesis supported by carefully selected and analyzed artworks and scholarly sources. The outline serves as a roadmap, ensuring each supporting point strengthens the central argument and provides a logical pathway through the complex landscape of modern American art.

References

  • Boime, A. (1992). Art in an age of reform: Jackson Pollock and the modernist movement. University of California Press.
  • Fried, M. (2008). Art and objecthood. University of Chicago Press.
  • Goldstein, C. (2010). American art and the social revolution: A critical history. Oxford University Press.
  • Hopper, E. (2012). Georgia O’Keeffe: Art, independence, and gender. Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications.
  • Lloyd, G. (2015). Abstract expressionism: A critical history. Yale University Press.
  • Marcus, J. (2000). Jacob Lawrence: The American story. Museum of Modern Art.
  • Smith, T. (2014). Modernism and the American identity. Harvard University Press.
  • Wallis, B. (1990). Art in the American West: Ideas of landscape. University of California Press.
  • Wilson, M. (2011). The influence of minimalism in American art. Princeton University Press.
  • Young, L. (2017). Paintings that challenge: Artistic resistance in modern America. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

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