There will be a single developing paper assignment for this course. It is 1500-2000 words long and you are required to go through each stage.

Remember: I require straightforward, ordinary language, and good grammar and punctuation. I prefer (but do not insist) that you use the first person ("I"). My point is this: elaborate language almost always hides confusion or trickery. Write so that your best friend outside this course can follow your discussion or argument. Whatever your best friend needs to know (terms, explanations, examples) needs to be in your paper.

1.

Choose and register your topic:
Choose an artist that you think should be included in a representative survey of 20th-century American art. At the class of February 31st register your artist with me (that gives you two weeks to choose).

2.

The assignment:
Using three or four works, explain why this artist should be included in the survey and what points should be made about him/her. Try to explain why Hughes did (or did not) include your artist in his survey (use your artist's name as the title, and quote this paragraph at the top of page 1 of your assignment).

3.

Introduction, Thesis Statement, Annotated Bibliography
The introduction should be about 400-500 words long, and the thesis statement should be part of that introduction and picked out in bold. Read the web page on Paper Writing to tell you what sort of things go into introductions and thesis statements. Start your annotated bibliography. Read the web page on Annotated Bibliographies to find out what form that should take. Make an appointment to submit and discuss your introduction and bibliography with me between March 25th and March 29th (you have 3-4 weeks for this stage).

4.

Draft the full paper:
Write a draft of your paper, remembering to use and refer to examples of your artist's work. Attach xeroxes of those works if they are not in Hughes' book. Submit that draft on April 2nd. I will look it over, make suggestions for improvement and return it to you with a notional "place-keeping" grade on it. (3 weeks for this stage, plus Spring Recess)

5.

Make final version of the full paper:
Finally, taking note of my comments, write a final copy of the paper and bibliography, and submit it for grading on May 2nd (I'll try to give you at least 2 weeks for this tidy-up stage.)

Note: the grade you get at this stage is the one that will count. You can improve at every stage without penalty. You can also go down by skipping a stage in the assignment or by failing to address my comments. So if I ask you to deal with something, make it clear that you have tried to do so!

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