The New School
Visual and Cultural Studies
REVISED -- 27 Oct 04
A. Description
We've spent a good deal of time looking at the relationship between avant-garde and modernist visual culture, with particular emphasis on 19th century French painting. Using the concepts discussed in this course, I would like you to write a critical essay on some aspect of modernism and the avant-garde in the first part of the 20th century in Europe according to the following parameters.
1. Focus your analysis on the way in which avant-garde and modernist principles are adopted and adapted in either cubism, dada, or surrealism.
2. Show how either structuralist or psychoanalytic theory affects the way one understands and interprets the work produced by the group you've chosen to examine.
Please note that there is absolutely no need to do additional research on this paper. All the texts you need can be found on the syllabus. You'll be evaluated on your judicious and informed use of the assigned and supplementary material.
B. Format and Due Date
Before you begin work on the essay, be sure to review "Guidelines for Writing Critical Analyses". You may also want to review the handout on academic honesty before beginning work on your paper. Let me know if you have questions about it.
Papers are due at the beginning of class on 23 November 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 paper 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.