Written Assignment #1: Formal Analysis
In our Week 1 Module, we focused on defining art and how to apply formal analysis to discuss the visual arts. Please use the learning materials and follow the template below to complete a short written assignment considering both defining art and applying elements of art and principles of design to summarize our learning activities this week.
Please submit final written assignment as a Microsoft Word Document attachment.
Learning Materials:
Smarthistory Getty Museum Playlist
Materials from Learning Activities #1 and #2
Template for Written Assignment:
- Title- Please generate an original title inspired by the artwork you select for this assignment.
- Introduction: Please introduce your written assignment by defining art and why humans create art. (3 - 5 sentences)
- Body Paragraph 1: Select ONE video from the Smarthistory Getty Museum Playlist to summarize the content in that video. You may include any historical or interpretive information shared by the narrator. Please include the name of the artwork and the maker if it is available. (5 - 7 sentences).
- Body Paragraph 2: Focus on the formal elements in the art example in the video you selected. Please use the Online Formal Analysis Guide to discuss relevant visual elements in your artwork. (5 - 7 sentences)
- Conclusion: Please share your perspective on using formal analysis when discussing works of art. Why might art historians want to use formal analysis to discuss artworks rather than just interpret meaning? (3 - 5 sentences)
Tips for Success
- Use the Online Formal Analysis Guide to focus on relevant characteristics of art. Not all of the elements will apply to your artwork.
- Write your response using your own words. You may consider reviewing your previous responses to Learning Activity #1, Discussion #1, or Learning Activity #2 to support your writing on this assignment.
- Please do not plagiarize or use AI-generated content for your response.
- Consider reaching out to the Cuyamaca Tutoring Center for any help with reviewing your written responses.