1210W Art and Ritual in Asia
Research Project
The primary goal for this course is to investigate the role of art in the “ritual” context, and how its existence as an object with a purpose beyond the aesthetic affected the choices made by the creators of the object (artist, ritualist, patron). Thus, the research assignment for this class is to choose an object or substance which has both aesthetic and ritual uses in Asia and describe how it “works” in one or both aspects. Why choose to make an incense burner in the shape of a mountain? How did concerns about the well-being of the ancestor spirits shape the spaces used to contain their physical remains? Why inscribe the palms of Buddhist sculptures with flowers and wheels? Does a stand of bamboo outside of a teahouse transform. the experience of the tea being consumed within it into something beyond the quotidian desire for a pick-me-up?
The subject you choose, therefore, is relatively open, but it must have a tangible ritual component. That is, you must *describe* something—a vessel, a sculpture, a temple—and discuss how the ritual use helped determine its shape. Then you should research the cultural and material context of that thing. What is it? What is it made from? In what environment is it most commonly found? How was it acquired/used by different types of people?
Step 1:
Choose a topic or object of interest. This is an initial exploration of your topic and a test for feasibility. Can you find enough secondary information to write a 1750-2500 word research paper on the object?
Step 2:
Develop annotated bibliography of at least 7 peer-reviewed sources. The development of the annotated bibliography often results in a revision of your initial thesis. This is good! Revise appropriately according to the new information you have learned from sources. Then construct a bibliography in proper CMOS 18 style. Add a paragraph (3-4 sentences) after each entry explaining how it will support your argument.
Step 3:
Prepare a “thesis paragraph.” After you have received feedback regarding your annotated bibliography, write a 4-6 sentence proposal, including an argumentative thesis statement which provides a tentative outline out your paper.
Step 4:
Complete a draft of your paper. This should be a full edited text with footnotes. You should include an image of your primary object of focus, but you do not need to include a full bibliography with this draft. This draft will undergo a review by your class peers, as well as myself.
Step 5:
Revise your final paper based on the peer review and my comments, and polish it according to the “art history paper guidelines” found on Brightspace, including:
· Title page
· Paginated research paper with footnotes following research paper formatting guidelines
· Figures (images of your object and comparisons)
· Bibliography of sources used, formatted in proper Chicago, Notes-and-Bibliography, Style. (CMOS 18)
· Pdf (or folder) including screenshots/photos of specific citation pages