1. George Orwell–Research and take notes on our author focusing on aspects of his life that are critical to his writing (i.e. political/historical details).
2. 1984–Read and annotate Chapters 1 and 2 of the novel.
3. Class Forum–To Be Verbs
4. Art as Social/Political/Economic/Environmental Commentary Project
George Orwell uses the novel as a means to communicate his critical view of political and social paradigms of the mid 20th Century. As I am sure you are aware, he felt strongly about his critique of totalitarianism in general and Stalin’s Soviet Union in particular.
Now it is your turn to use art as a form of commentary. However, the medium you’re your message is VISUAL ART. First things first, choose a subject that you feel strongly about, something in which you can invest your time, thought, emotion, and creative juices. Your only limit here is your imagination! Your art should have consciousness and purpose as you create awareness. It should be genuine. Ultimately, I expect that you will elevate and catalyze a dialogue relevant to your subject.
After selecting your subject, you must Research! You are expected to research your subject accumulating 3 sources further informing your understanding of the subject. Understanding that the sources and précis are to work in concert solidifying your knowledge on the subject, thoughtfully choose your sources and choose sources from legitimate web sites (avoid wiki links, joe schmoe’s blog, joe schmoe and his cronie’s website, etc.). You are then expected to write a precis for each source. Print out and read the precis expectations. You should have the precis printout in your binder as with all printouts. Let me stress, read the precis guidelines very closely. Further, the sources should ultimately help to give form to your creative project. At the end, you will submit your research with the creative project. As I stressed in class, choose a subject you genuinely care about.
Folks, this is not some casual art assignment that can be done in your journal consisting of a couple of stick figures. If you do this you will receive no credit for the assignment. In grading the visual bit I am expecting to see the product of deep thought (thematic understanding), extraordinary effort, and creative effort.
The following will be considered when assessing these:
- Project’s visual impact (The visual should be aesthetically pleasing…more simply, it should look amazing)
- The project should be informed by your research. It should reflect knowledge and understanding.
- Project is thoughtful (The visual should be so thoughtfully and carefully created so as to carry your commentary/message.)
- Project is well-designed/executed
- Project reflects exceptional effort.
VERY IMPORTANT: The visual alone should communicate the commentary/message. You should not have to rely on words!
I expect your very best creative work here. Know your creative strengths and weaknesses. If you are not a “natural” artist, improvise… Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. No excuses for mediocrity on this assignment. Peace.
Due Dates:
- 17—Proposal including subject of project and a rough idea for the creative project.
- 21–Three sources with precis for each source.
- 5–Final Art as Social Commentary project due! * All stages of this project will be graded and count toward the project/essay grade. The final project itself will count for 300 total points. Be sure you also read the project description sheet very closely!
