Assignment description:
Choose one of the critical theories we discussed in class; i.e., Marxism, Feminism,
Postcolonialism/Critical Race Theory, or LGBTI Studies/Queer Theory. In a well-structured
essay of 1 500 to 1 800 words, analyse an image of your choice according to your chosen
critical theory. The image can either be an artwork (painting, sculpture, photograph, etc.), or
a moving image (movie, TV show, music video, etc.) or a non-moving mass-produced image
(album cover, magazine advertisement, billboard, etc.). You should look at the social and
historic elements (i.e. what was happening in society and how do you see this in the image)
as well as at the formal elements (i.e. how does what the image looks like show us what was
going on in society). You could research and discuss the work with your classmates, but each
student must hand in an individual essay
3 sources
It is important to note that the completion of a well-structured essay requires thorough research and analysis. However, I can provide you with a general outline to help you get started.
Introduction:
- Introduce the chosen critical theory and explain its significance
- Briefly describe the image being analyzed
Body:
1. Social and historic elements:
- Research and provide background information on the social and historical context in which the image was created
- Analyze how the image reflects or reacts to the events or issues of that time period
- Use evidence from the image and external sources to support your analysis
2. Formal elements:
- Analyze the formal elements of the image, such as composition, color, and visual technique
- Interpret how these formal elements contribute to the overall meaning or message of the image
- Discuss how these formal elements might reflect or challenge societal norms or expectations
3. Integration of theory:
- Apply your chosen critical theory to the image, examining its concepts, assumptions, and methodology
- Analyze how the image aligns with or challenges the ideas of the chosen critical theory
- Use quotes or examples from the critical theory to support your analysis
Conclusion:
- Summarize the main points of your analysis
- Reflect on the significance of your findings in relation to the social and historical context and the chosen critical theory
- Optional: Suggest further avenues for research or discussion
Sources:
- Ensure that you use at least three sources that are relevant to your analysis and support your argument
- These sources can include scholarly articles, books, or reputable websites
- Cite your sources using the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA)
Analyzing an image according to a critical theory involves considering the social and historical context of the image, as well as the formal elements within it. Let's break down the process into step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Choose a critical theory
Select one of the critical theories mentioned in the assignment description: Marxism, Feminism, Postcolonialism/Critical Race Theory, or LGBTI Studies/Queer Theory. Consider which theory resonates with your interests or the image you want to analyze.
Step 2: Select an image
Choose an image that will serve as the subject of your analysis. It can be an artwork (such as a painting, sculpture, or photograph), a moving image (such as a movie, TV show, or music video), or a non-moving mass-produced image (such as an album cover, magazine advertisement, or billboard). Ensure that the image has enough content and depth to analyze.
Step 3: Understand the chosen critical theory
Familiarize yourself with the chosen critical theory by conducting research. Read academic articles or books that explain the key concepts, ideas, and perspectives within the theory. Understand how it relates to social, historical, and societal issues.
Step 4: Research the image and its context
Gather information about the image and its context. Look for any historical events, social movements, or cultural shifts that may have influenced the creation of the image. Consider the artist or creator's background and intent. This research will provide a foundation for your analysis.
Step 5: Analyze the social and historical elements
Examine the image through the lens of the chosen critical theory. Identify how the image reflects or critiques aspects of society, politics, power dynamics, gender, race, class, or sexuality. Consider how the social and historical context influenced the image's creation and reception.
Step 6: Analyze the formal elements
Assess the visual elements within the image. Analyze its composition, color palette, symbolism, use of perspective, and any other relevant formal elements. Evaluate how these formal choices contribute to the overall message and interpretation of the image.
Step 7: Integrate research and critical analysis
Bring together the information gathered from your research and the analysis you conducted using the chosen critical theory. Create a coherent and well-structured essay that incorporates both the social and historical elements, as well as the formal elements within the image.
Step 8: Citations and References
Remember to include proper citations and references for any sources you used in your essay. Aim to use at least three sources to support your analysis and provide a well-rounded perspective on the image.
Step 9: Proofread and revise
Review your essay for grammar, clarity, and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are supported by evidence and that your analysis is well-articulated. Make any necessary revisions to strengthen your essay.
Step 10: Submit your essay
Once you are satisfied with your essay, ensure that you follow the submission instructions provided by your instructor. Hand in your individual essay, as required.
Note: This step-by-step guide assumes general knowledge of essay writing conventions and does not cover the specific formatting or citation style requirements of your assignment. Be sure to adhere to any specific guidelines given by your instructor.
To complete this assignment, you need to choose one of the critical theories discussed in class (Marxism, Feminism, Postcolonialism/Critical Race Theory, or LGBTI Studies/Queer Theory) and analyze an image of your choice using that theory. You can select an artwork (painting, sculpture, photograph, etc.), a moving image (movie, TV show, music video, etc.), or a non-moving mass-produced image (album cover, magazine advertisement, billboard, etc.). Your essay should be well-structured and between 1,500 to 1,800 words.
Here is how you can approach this assignment:
1. Choose a critical theory: Select one of the critical theories mentioned above that aligns with your interests and choose an image that you find relevant and can analyze effectively through the lens of that theory.
2. Understand the critical theory: Familiarize yourself with the chosen critical theory by studying its key concepts and principles. This will help you in analyzing the image effectively.
3. Analyze the image: Look at the image through the social and historical elements, as well as the formal elements. Consider the following questions while analyzing the image:
- Social and historical elements: What was happening in society during the time the image was created? How does the image reflect or comment on those social and historical contexts? What ideologies or power structures are present in the image?
- Formal elements: What visual elements, such as colors, composition, figures, or symbols, are used in the image? What do these elements convey about the social and historical context? How do they engage with the chosen critical theory?
4. Research: Conduct additional research to support your analysis. Look for scholarly articles, books, or other academic resources that discuss similar themes or analyze similar images within the chosen critical theory.
5. Structure your essay: Organize your essay in a well-structured manner. Start with an introduction that presents your chosen critical theory, provides background information about the image, and states your thesis statement. Then, present your analysis in a logical sequence, providing evidence and examples from the image and supporting sources. Finally, conclude your essay summarizing your main points and reinforcing your thesis.
6. Cite your sources: Remember to cite all the sources you use in your essay. Include in-text citations and a bibliography page at the end of your paper. Use the appropriate citation style as required by your instructor.
7. Proofread and revise: Before submitting your essay, carefully proofread it for grammar, spelling, and sentence structure errors. Revise any unclear or confusing sections to ensure a smooth and coherent flow of ideas.
By following these steps, you should be able to write a well-structured and insightful essay analysing an image using your chosen critical theory. Good luck with your assignment!