Image-based research paper assignment
For this paper, you will select one or two images created between 1885 and 1905 and make an argument, based on their content and context, about what they reveal about American beliefs and values in the 1890s.
You may choose a single image if one interests you, or you may place two images in conversation. For example, you might put a photo of Arnold Genthe into dialogue with one by Jacob Riis. You may not make two separate arguments about two images.
Please note:
This is an essay. You will need to have an introduction, a thesis, several well-organized paragraphs, and a conclusion.
This is a research paper. You will be expected to use at least seven library sources and to cite them appropriately. You may use reliable Internet sources, but they do not contribute toward your source count; neither do your photos. Reliable sources are written by experts or appear on websites of research institutions such as the Library of Congress or the Smithsonian Institution.
Your research should not be entirely about the creation of the photo itself. For example, if you select a photo by Jacob Riis, you should not be making an argument about why Riis took the photo. Instead, you should be making an argument about what the content (and in some cases the context) of the photo reveals about the beliefs and values of Americans in the 1890s. (I’ll explain this more in class.)
You have a lot of freedom with this project, and thus an opportunity to make this paper a truly excellent piece of your own critical and creative work. If done well, it could function as a writing sample for graduate school or for job applications. Accordingly, select your image(s) carefully—pick visuals that are interesting to you and about which you believe you can make a compelling argument.
If you need assistance, I’m here to help. I will not read entire paper drafts, but I am happy to discuss your paper’s argument, an outline, or a particularly troublesome paragraph or two.
Other requirements:
Due date: Wednesday, May 17, at the beginning of class.
You may choose a single image if one interests you, or you may place two images in conversation. For example, you might put a photo of Arnold Genthe into dialogue with one by Jacob Riis. You may not make two separate arguments about two images.
Please note:
This is an essay. You will need to have an introduction, a thesis, several well-organized paragraphs, and a conclusion.
This is a research paper. You will be expected to use at least seven library sources and to cite them appropriately. You may use reliable Internet sources, but they do not contribute toward your source count; neither do your photos. Reliable sources are written by experts or appear on websites of research institutions such as the Library of Congress or the Smithsonian Institution.
Your research should not be entirely about the creation of the photo itself. For example, if you select a photo by Jacob Riis, you should not be making an argument about why Riis took the photo. Instead, you should be making an argument about what the content (and in some cases the context) of the photo reveals about the beliefs and values of Americans in the 1890s. (I’ll explain this more in class.)
You have a lot of freedom with this project, and thus an opportunity to make this paper a truly excellent piece of your own critical and creative work. If done well, it could function as a writing sample for graduate school or for job applications. Accordingly, select your image(s) carefully—pick visuals that are interesting to you and about which you believe you can make a compelling argument.
If you need assistance, I’m here to help. I will not read entire paper drafts, but I am happy to discuss your paper’s argument, an outline, or a particularly troublesome paragraph or two.
Other requirements:
- 7-10 pages, double-spaced
12-point Times New Roman
include clear print of image(s) with your paper
Due date: Wednesday, May 17, at the beginning of class.
posted by Leslie Madsen-Brooks at 10:51 PM
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