Assessment Item 3
Description/Focus: Essay
Value: 45 %
Length: 1500 words
Task:
Social change has been a major goal of modernism. Critically examine the work of two artists and explain how politics is embodied in their work.
Preparation: In completing this assignment, students will necessarily have to analyse and evaluate a number of interpretations by historians, theorists and critical scholars. Do not expect to find consensus. It is your job to present and evaluate the various interpretations and provide a reasoned argument that addresses the question
Presentation: Essays should be typed, single-sided with no less than 12pt font, 1.5 – 2.0 line spacing, with all pages firmly stapled together. Students must keep a copy of all material presented for assessment. Submit via Learnline.
Referencing: APA
Assessment criteria: Content:
Evidence of reading and research:
• Covers all important issues in relation to the topic and stated scope
• Uses appropriate peer-reviewed materials; mostly academic journal articles and books from university presses; assess reliability, suitability, and bias if from other sources; avoids internet sources
Depth of analysis and evidence of critical thinking in identifying contemporary issues:
• Uses readings (references) to substantiate positions taken in relation to topic.
• 4Goes beyond simply reporting what others have said; argues from unique perspective; integrates unit ideas/ material and makes links between different concepts
• Recognition of what the question asks; analysis of question elements; identification of important issues and problems
Creative and imaginative response in communicating ideas
• The writer’s argument is made explicit throughout the essay through the use of semantic markers and restating of the thesis.
• The argument is presented in a logical order
• Evidence contradicting thesis included and dealt with
Text organization: Clarity & coherence organisation and expression of ideas in a logical manner
Introduction
• Provides an orientation to the topic – background context
• States purpose of the essay
• States thesis or proposition (main point/argument)
• States outline of the essay’s stages
• States scope of the essay
Main Body
• Arguments logically sequenced to support thesis
• Each argument linked to thesis in topic sentence
• Arguments logically organised into paragraphs
• Paragraphs linked
• Generally, one argument per paragraph
Conclusion
• Summarises outline
• Confirms/states thesis
• Qualifies thesis if required
Literacy skills: grammar, spelling, sentence & paragraph construction
• Spelling and punctuation accurate
• Sentence structure not too long and meaning clear
• Formal academic language used
Language specific to the topic/discipline used where appropriate
Referencing
• Correct referencing APA /list of references Adequate and appropriate illustrations correctly cited
Request reading
Gay, P 2008, Modernism: The lure of heresy: From Baudelaire to Beckett and beyond, WW Norton & Co, New York, p.1-101
Thesis statement: Observed in the modernist artwork of Picasso and Kahlo exemplifies the influence of politics and social change.
