The New School

Visual and Cultural Studies

Fall 2004 -- Final Assignment

This semester we've tried to gain a better understanding of the problems and possibilities of formulating an adequate theory of, and approach to, visual culture as a means to social and political critique. We've looked at a number of different approaches and tried to apply them to a range of cultural objects. We've noted some successes and limitations and used these to sketch alternative approaches. Now it's time to formulate your own carefully considered response.

Here are two options for your final papers:

1. Consider the following argument: Visual culture is the embodiment and distillation of human feeling, emotion, affect, imagination, desire, aesthetic value, and pleasure, i.e. the richness of lived subjective experience. Thus, it can only express human responses to material social and political relations, not change them.

Write a critical response to this argument drawing on the readings and objects we've discussed this semester.

2. Summarize the argument in Frederic Jameson's "The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism" and apply it and the concepts employed in that essay to the analysis of an object in a local museum. Be sure to include a reproduction with your essay.

Be sure to review these guidelines before beginning work on your essay.

Papers are due in my office on or before 6:00 PM 11 January 2004.

All papers must be typed on a computer and run through a spell-checker. You will be graded on the form and content of your paper, so pay close attention to both appearance and grammar. Your essay should be about 8 pages in length. All papers must be double-spaced with one-inch margins with the appropriate endnotes or footnotes (as you prefer). If you need additional instructions or guidelines, see me.