Research Paper: 8–10 Pages You Will Be Required To Write

Research Paper 40 You Will Be Required To Write An 8 10 Page Resea

Research Paper (40%): You will be required to write an 8-10-page research paper, excluding the title page and bibliography, on the choice of your topic, analyzing a specific question related to Islamic art, or a work of art produced in Islamic cultures that interests you. This paper is worth 40% of your final grade. Topics should be approved by me during office hours. If the regular office hours do not fit your schedule, please email me to set an appointment. Going under or over the page range is not recommended, as the purpose is to learn how to make an argument in a specified amount of space.

You should support your argument with evidence that you gather from primary and secondary sources, whether works of art or texts, always with critical distance. Papers must be typed or word-processed, standard font, spacing, and margins. Papers should have the standard format required of a university paper, including a title page, proper and consistent citation (with suggested MLA or Chicago Manual of Style format), style, bibliography, and page numbers. The research paper should be based on scholarly sources, which means peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and academic reports from well-known research institutes. Dictionaries, lecture notes, encyclopedias (including Wikipedia), and most websites are not acceptable.

Your paper will be graded according to: 1) how clearly and thoroughly you define the issue based on your research question, 2) the extent and clarity of your factual understanding of the issue and its context, 3) your analysis and answering the research question you present, and 4) Proper citation, grammar, and style. If you have any questions regarding research or writing, you are always welcome to meet with me during office hours or by appointment.

Paper For Above instruction

Within the scope of this assignment, the central task is to produce a well-researched, critically grounded academic paper focused on an aspect of Islamic art or a specific work of art originating from Islamic cultures. Your research should aim to explore an analytical question that offers insight into the historical, cultural, or aesthetic contexts of Islamic artistic practices. For example, you might investigate the symbolism within Islamic calligraphy, the development of mosaics in mosque architecture, or the influence of Persian miniature painting on regional artistic traditions.

To effectively address your topic, it is essential to formulate a precise research question, which guides your investigation and argumentation. For instance, a question such as ‘How does the use of geometric patterns in Islamic architecture reflect underlying spiritual philosophies?’ can serve as a focused inquiry. Your paper should begin with an introduction that clearly states your research question and provides necessary background. The main body must analyze primary sources—such as images of artworks, architectural features, or inscriptions—and incorporate secondary scholarly sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles and academic books. These secondary sources will provide critical interpretations and contextual information necessary for a comprehensive discussion.

An essential element is to maintain critical distance, ensuring your analysis is objective and substantiated by evidence from reputable sources. Your discussion should include interpretations of visual or textual materials, contextualization within Islamic history and culture, and an evaluation of their significance or influence. As you develop your argument, consider contrasting different scholarly viewpoints where relevant, and justify your stance based on evidence.

In addition, your paper must adhere to academic formatting standards, including proper citations using MLA or Chicago style, with a detailed bibliography. The style and clarity of your writing—grammar, coherence, and logical flow—are critical components in achieving a high grade. A clear and compelling conclusion should summarize your findings and reflect on the broader implications of your analysis.

Given the importance of scholarly integrity, ensure all sources are credible and appropriately cited. Avoid relying on encyclopedias, lecture notes, or internet sources lacking academic peer review; instead, prioritize peer-reviewed journals, esteemed books, and scholarly reports. Your work should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the art historical context, clear analytical reasoning, and proficiency in academic writing standards. If questions or uncertainties arise during your research or composition process, do not hesitate to utilize office hours for guidance.

Paper For Above instruction

In conclusion, this research paper should make a meaningful contribution to the understanding of Islamic art by providing a detailed, well-supported argument rooted in scholarly evidence. Your analysis should not only answer your formulated research question but also situate your findings within broader art historical or cultural debates pertaining to Islamic civilization. By adhering to academic standards in research, citation, and presentation, you will develop valuable skills in scholarly inquiry and critical thinking that are essential for advanced study in art history or related fields.

References

• Bloom, J. M., & Blair, S. S. (2009). The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art & Architecture. Oxford University Press.
• Khan, M. (1997). "Geometric Designs in Islamic Art and Architecture." Muslim World Journal, 87(3), 278–294.
• Mathews, M. (1988). Islamic Art and Architecture: The System of Geometric Patterning. University of Pennsylvania Press.
• Canby, S. (2007). The Art of Islamic Pattern. Thames & Hudson.
• Oleg Grabar, (1983). The Formation of Islamic Art. Yale University Press.
• Peters, F. E. (1994). Islamic Art, Literature, and Culture. Harvard University Press.
• Grube, E. (2009). Islamic Decoration: Its Principles and Practice. Routledge.
• Ruggles, D. F. (2008). Islamic Art and Visual Culture: An Anthology of Sources. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Burckhardt, T. (2001). Art of Islam: Language and Image in Persian Literature. University of Chicago Press.
• Saliba, J. (1980). Islamic Science and its Cultural Implications. Harvard University Press.