Critical Research Paper

Assignment Overview

This critical research paper asks you to analyze and compare artworks from the Renaissance period, examining how their functions and meanings are shaped by historical, cultural, and intellectual contexts. You are expected to move beyond visual description to consider issues such as patronage, ideology, social change, artistic intention, and audience.

Analyze and compare the functions and meanings of artworks within their historical, cultural, and intellectual contexts.

Artwork Selection

Select two artworks within the Renaissance timeline.

You may choose from the suggested list below or propose alternative works with instructor approval.

Assignment Requirements

Length: 1500 words

Format: Double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font

Images: Include images of both artworks with full captions (artist, title, date, medium, location)

Sources: Minimum one scholarly source per artwork (museum websites, textbooks, academic journal articles)

Citation Style: APA style citations and reference list

Cover page: Full name, ID number, Course number and code.

Grading Rubric: Research Paper (50 Points Total)

1. Artwork Analysis Work 1 (15 points)

1315 pts (Excellent): Insightful analysis demonstrating strong understanding of form, function, and context. – 1012 pts (Good): Clear analysis with minor gaps in depth or contextual engagement. – 79 pts (Satisfactory): Mostly descriptive with limited critical insight. – 06 pts (Needs Improvement): Incomplete, unclear, or inaccurate analysis.

2. Artwork Analysis Work 2 (15 points)

1315 pts (Excellent): Thorough analysis connecting artwork to its historical and intellectual context. – 1012 pts (Good): Accurate analysis with some contextual discussion. – 79 pts (Satisfactory): General description with limited interpretation. – 06 pts (Needs Improvement): Minimal or inaccurate analysis.

3. Comparative Insight (10 points)

910 pts (Excellent): Strong, meaningful comparison highlighting similarities and differences. – 78 pts (Good): Clear comparison with limited depth. – 56 pts (Satisfactory): Basic comparison. – 04 pts (Needs Improvement): Little or no comparison.

4. Use of Sources & Citation (5 points)

5 pts (Excellent): Appropriate scholarly sources used and correctly cited. – 34 pts (Good): Minor citation issues. – 12 pts (Satisfactory): Limited or inconsistently cited sources. – 0 pts (Needs Improvement): Sources missing or uncited.

5. Clarity & Organization (5 points)

5 pts (Excellent): Clear, well-organized, academic writing with minimal errors. – 34 pts (Good): Generally clear with minor issues. – 12 pts (Satisfactory): Organization or clarity inconsistent. – 0 pts (Needs Improvement): Poor structure or frequent errors.

Academic Integrity

All work must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism or academic misconduct will be addressed according to university policy.