Art History 101 Paper Topics

Art History 101 Paper Topics

Choose ONLY ONE (1) of the following topics to write about. Be sure to address questions such as what is the subject matter, the meaning/function, composition, style, technique, etc. if the topic calls for such a discussion. In addition, if you are comparing or contrasting, you must clearly say what constitute similarities and differences between the pieces you are discussing.

TOPIC A:

Ancient Influences in Art

How did artistic conventions from ancient Greece influence Etruscan art and architecture? Be sure to use specific examples to illustrate your discussion.

TOPIC B:

Architectural Comparison

You are to write a short essay comparing the White Temple, Uruk (Iraq) c.3200B.C.E. (Figure 2-2 in your textbook) and the Stepped Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara (Figure 3-4 in your textbook) c.2630B.C.E.

How are the structures of these two buildings similar, and what architectural features distinguish them? How were the structural differences related to the function of the buildings?

TOPIC C:

My Neighborhood Mosque

You are to discuss your neighborhood mosque in the realm of Islamic art and Architecture.No outside sources are allowed as this is an opinion and reflection paper. You must include at least four (4) images (these must be both inside and out) of your mosque that clearly reflect elements of the style and decoration as discussed in your paper. Be sure to clearly state where it is located, when it was built, who built it, etc.

**The paper must be up to (but no more than) 5 pages long, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins and 12pt TIMES NEW ROMAN font.

**Use a spelling and grammar check as you write your paper; this would also be an ideal time to make use of the Writing Center’s facilities and help.

**Be sure your paper has a clear introduction and conclusion. These should be separate paragraphs. Include images of your chosen pieces in an “Illustrations” or “Figures” section at the end of your paper, all of which MUST be labeled and cited correctly.

**ALL of your sources MUST be cited properly in either footnotes or parenthetical references in the text, and a bibliography at the end according to the MLA writing style guide. If you need help, please use the Writing Center!

** IF YOU ARE USING PRINT SOURCES, YOU MUST INCLUDE PHOTOCOPIES OF THE PAGES USED AND HIGHLIGHT THE AREAS YOU GOT YOUR INFORMATION FROM!!