INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT
Dates to remember
Research topics & questions due (2%): Monday, October 28
Rough drafts due (4%): Monday, November 11
Final paper due (15%): Monday, November 25
Paper rewrites due: Monday, December 9
Length: 5-8 page paper
For this assignment, choose and research a topic of your choice that relates
to Asian Art or topics weve discussed in class. This is your opportunity to probe
into what interests youit could be an in depth analysis of your favorite anime, a
comparison of two narrative paintings, someone who complicates the boundaries
of Asian Art, representations of a particular Hindu deity over time, the history of
the Japanese woodblock print, an explanation of Chinese hanging scroll
restoration, etc. I encourage you to come up with your own topic, but I will also
provide a list of examples for those who feel stuck. Topics and research
questions are due in class on Monday, October 28.
When you are researching, keep in mind that it is fine to use internet and
popular sources, but that they should not be your only sources. Feel free to draw on
readings from class, but also check the library, periodicals, and online journals. If
you need help finding sources, I would be happy to point you in the right direction.
If you would like to interview someone (i.e. a curator of Asian Art or someone
involved in Asian art restoration), Id also be happy to help connect you however I
can. If you choose to write about an art object, keep in mind that the actual piece of
art is often the most important source. This means spending time looking at what
youre talking about and thinking about the choices that were made in creating it–
why were these choices and the piece itself made? I recommend aiming for 3-8
sources, but check in with me if you have any questions about this.
This is a 5-8 page paper. Keep in mind that 5-8 pages does not mean 4
pages with one line on the 5th page, or 4.5 pages with a header a half page long.
This length is required to allow sufficient depth to your paper in order to achieve
the points on the grading rubric below. Your bibliography (which is required) is
not included in the page count. Paper rewrites will be accepted until the last day of
class and can increase your original paper grade.
Use the Student Success Center and Writing Studio as resources!
POTENTIAL RESEARCH TOPICS
Compare and contrast the Ajanta and Dunhuang cave temples
Depictions of the Ramayana
Japanese woodblock printsthesis is The Formation of Modern Architecture in Japan
in the next 10 hrs
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