Overview
PROMPT. Architecture and its Monumentality –
- How has architecture developed in the art of our course? How has the form of the architecture influenced the function of the buildings and vice versa? You might consider the different places of worship and how the architecture is informed by and is influenced by the priorities of each culture. How has height and size been used by these cultures for different ends? Discuss the symbolic use of light within architecture.
- Pick 2 objects, one from Antiquity (Prehistoric through Imperial Rome Modules) and one from the Middle Ages (Early Christian & Byzantine Art through Gothic Art Modules), and compare and contrast the 2 artworks through the discussion of the changing forms and function of architecture.
This assignment asks you to write a compare and contrast essay.
Even with a specific prompt you are working with, the essay should ultimately answer the question, "How are the two chosen objects similar?" and "How are the objects different?" The key to a good compare and contrast essay is to organize the paragraphs by theme where both works of art are discussed all the way through. What are the themes? That will depend on the specific prompt you choose. You can organize your paragraphs around formal qualities (style, material, size, use of line, texture, shape, etc.). At least one of the paragraphs should include a discussion of the objects' functions. What was each object used for? Who used it? Where was it originally located? Who was supposed to see or not see the works? What is the intended message of each work?
The essay should be 3 pages in length, 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins, double-spaced, with Chicago Style footnotes and bibliography.
**Remember, the most important thing is to discuss the works together. For example, if you make a point that the materials are different - you need to explain why that is important and talk about both works together. Or if the subject matter is the same - why is it the same? what is being portrayed in each work? If you just write about one work for a couple paragraphs and then the other, that will result in a low grade.