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Art History

What this handout is about.

This handout discusses a few common assignments found in art history courses. To help you better understand those assignments, this handout highlights key strategies for approaching and analyzing visual materials.

Writing in art history

Evaluating and writing about visual material uses many of the same analytical skills that you have learned from other fields, such as history or literature. In art history, however, you will be asked to gather your evidence from close observations of objects or images. Beyond painting, photography, and sculpture, you may be asked to write about posters, illustrations, coins, and other materials.

Even though art historians study a wide range of materials, there are a few prevalent assignments that show up throughout the field. Some of these assignments (and the writing strategies used to tackle them) are also used in other disciplines. In fact, you may use some of the approaches below to write about visual sources in classics, anthropology, and religious studies, to name a few examples.

This handout describes three basic assignment types and explains how you might approach writing for your art history class.Your assignment prompt can often be an important step in understanding your course’s approach to visual materials and meeting its specific expectations. Start by reading the prompt carefully, and see our handout on understanding assignments for some tips and tricks.

Three types of assignments are discussed below:

• Visual analysis essays
• Comparison essays
• Research papers

1. Visual analysis essays

Visual analysis essays often consist of two components. First, they include a thorough description of the selected object or image based on your observations. This description will serve as your “evidence” moving forward. Second, they include an interpretation or argument that is built on and defended by this visual evidence.

Formal analysis is one of the primary ways to develop your observations. Performing a formal analysis requires describing the “formal” qualities of the object or image that you are describing (“formal” here means “related to the form of the image,” not “fancy” or “please, wear a tuxedo”). Formal elements include everything from the overall composition to the use of line, color, and shape. This process often involves careful observations and critical questions about what you see.

Pre-writing: observations and note-taking

To assist you in this process, the chart below categorizes some of the most common formal elements. It also provides a few questions to get you thinking.

Let’s try this out with an example. You’ve been asked to write a formal analysis of the painting, George Morland’s Pigs and Piglets in a Sty , ca. 1800 (created in Britain and now in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond).

What do you notice when you see this image? First, you might observe that this is a painting. Next, you might ask yourself some of the following questions: what kind of paint was used, and what was it painted on? How has the artist applied the paint? What does the scene depict, and what kinds of figures (an art-historical term that generally refers to humans) or animals are present? What makes these animals similar or different? How are they arranged? What colors are used in this painting? Are there any colors that pop out or contrast with the others? What might the artist have been trying to accomplish by adding certain details?

What other questions come to mind while examining this work? What kinds of topics come up in class when you discuss paintings like this one? Consider using your class experiences as a model for your own description! This process can be lengthy, so expect to spend some time observing the artwork and brainstorming.

Here is an example of some of the notes one might take while viewing Morland’s Pigs and Piglets in a Sty :

Composition

• The animals, four pigs total, form a gently sloping mound in the center of the painting.
• The upward mound of animals contrasts with the downward curve of the wooden fence.
• The gentle light, coming from the upper-left corner, emphasizes the animals in the center. The rest of the scene is more dimly lit.
• The composition is asymmetrical but balanced. The fence is balanced by the bush on the right side of the painting, and the sow with piglets is balanced by the pig whose head rests in the trough.
• Throughout the composition, the colors are generally muted and rather limited. Yellows, greens, and pinks dominate the foreground, with dull browns and blues in the background.
• Cool colors appear in the background, and warm colors appear in the foreground, which makes the foreground more prominent.
• Large areas of white with occasional touches of soft pink focus attention on the pigs.
• The paint is applied very loosely, meaning the brushstrokes don’t describe objects with exact details but instead suggest them with broad gestures.
• The ground has few details and appears almost abstract.
• The piglets emerge from a series of broad, almost indistinct, circular strokes.
• The painting contrasts angular lines and rectangles (some vertical, some diagonal) with the circular forms of the pig.
• The negative space created from the intersection of the fence and the bush forms a wide, inverted triangle that points downward. The point directs viewers’ attention back to the pigs.

Because these observations can be difficult to notice by simply looking at a painting, art history instructors sometimes encourage students to sketch the work that they’re describing. The image below shows how a sketch can reveal important details about the composition and shapes.

Writing: developing an interpretation

Once you have your descriptive information ready, you can begin to think critically about what the information in your notes might imply. What are the effects of the formal elements? How do these elements influence your interpretation of the object?

Your interpretation does not need to be earth-shatteringly innovative, but it should put forward an argument with which someone else could reasonably disagree. In other words, you should work on developing a strong analytical thesis about the meaning, significance, or effect of the visual material that you’ve described. For more help in crafting a strong argument, see our Thesis Statements handout .

For example, based on the notes above, you might draft the following thesis statement:

In Morland’s Pigs and Piglets in a Sty, the close proximity of the pigs to each other–evident in the way Morland has overlapped the pigs’ bodies and grouped them together into a gently sloping mound–and the soft atmosphere that surrounds them hints at the tranquility of their humble farm lives.

Or, you could make an argument about one specific formal element:

In Morland’s Pigs and Piglets in a Sty, the sharp contrast between rectilinear, often vertical, shapes and circular masses focuses viewers’ attention on the pigs, who seem undisturbed by their enclosure.

Support your claims

Your thesis statement should be defended by directly referencing the formal elements of the artwork. Try writing with enough specificity that someone who has not seen the work could imagine what it looks like. If you are struggling to find a certain term, try using this online art dictionary: Tate’s Glossary of Art Terms .

Your body paragraphs should explain how the elements work together to create an overall effect. Avoid listing the elements. Instead, explain how they support your analysis.

As an example, the following body paragraph illustrates this process using Morland’s painting:

Morland achieves tranquility not only by grouping animals closely but also by using light and shadow carefully. Light streams into the foreground through an overcast sky, in effect dappling the pigs and the greenery that encircles them while cloaking much of the surrounding scene. Diffuse and soft, the light creates gentle gradations of tone across pigs’ bodies rather than sharp contrasts of highlights and shadows. By modulating the light in such subtle ways, Morland evokes a quiet, even contemplative mood that matches the restful faces of the napping pigs.

This example paragraph follows the 5-step process outlined in our handout on paragraphs . The paragraph begins by stating the main idea, in this case that the artist creates a tranquil scene through the use of light and shadow. The following two sentences provide evidence for that idea. Because art historians value sophisticated descriptions, these sentences include evocative verbs (e.g., “streams,” “dappling,” “encircles”) and adjectives (e.g., “overcast,” “diffuse,” “sharp”) to create a mental picture of the artwork in readers’ minds. The last sentence ties these observations together to make a larger point about the relationship between formal elements and subject matter.

There are usually different arguments that you could make by looking at the same image. You might even find a way to combine these statements!

Remember, however you interpret the visual material (for example, that the shapes draw viewers’ attention to the pigs), the interpretation needs to be logically supported by an observation (the contrast between rectangular and circular shapes). Once you have an argument, consider the significance of these statements. Why does it matter if this painting hints at the tranquility of farm life? Why might the artist have tried to achieve this effect? Briefly discussing why these arguments matter in your thesis can help readers understand the overall significance of your claims. This step may even lead you to delve deeper into recurring themes or topics from class.

Tread lightly

Avoid generalizing about art as a whole, and be cautious about making claims that sound like universal truths. If you find yourself about to say something like “across cultures, blue symbolizes despair,” pause to consider the statement. Would all people, everywhere, from the beginning of human history to the present agree? How do you know? If you find yourself stating that “art has meaning,” consider how you could explain what you see as the specific meaning of the artwork.

Double-check your prompt. Do you need secondary sources to write your paper? Most visual analysis essays in art history will not require secondary sources to write the paper. Rely instead on your close observation of the image or object to inform your analysis and use your knowledge from class to support your argument. Are you being asked to use the same methods to analyze objects as you would for paintings? Be sure to follow the approaches discussed in class.

Some classes may use “description,” “formal analysis” and “visual analysis” as synonyms, but others will not. Typically, a visual analysis essay may ask you to consider how form relates to the social, economic, or political context in which these visual materials were made or exhibited, whereas a formal analysis essay may ask you to make an argument solely about form itself. If your prompt does ask you to consider contextual aspects, and you don’t feel like you can address them based on knowledge from the course, consider reading the section on research papers for further guidance.

2. Comparison essays

Comparison essays often require you to follow the same general process outlined in the preceding sections. The primary difference, of course, is that they ask you to deal with more than one visual source. These assignments usually focus on how the formal elements of two artworks compare and contrast with each other. Resist the urge to turn the essay into a list of similarities and differences.

Comparison essays differ in another important way. Because they typically ask you to connect the visual materials in some way or to explain the significance of the comparison itself, they may require that you comment on the context in which the art was created or displayed.

For example, you might have been asked to write a comparative analysis of the painting discussed in the previous section, George Morland’s Pigs and Piglets in a Sty (ca. 1800), and an unknown Vicús artist’s Bottle in the Form of a Pig (ca. 200 BCE–600 CE). Both works are illustrated below.

You can begin this kind of essay with the same process of observations and note-taking outlined above for formal analysis essays. Consider using the same questions and categories to get yourself started.

Here are some questions you might ask:

• What techniques were used to create these objects?
• How does the use of color in these two works compare? Is it similar or different?
• What can you say about the composition of the sculpture? How does the artist treat certain formal elements, for example geometry? How do these elements compare to and contrast with those found in the painting?
• How do these works represent their subjects? Are they naturalistic or abstract? How do these artists create these effects? Why do these similarities and differences matter?

As our handout on comparing and contrasting suggests, you can organize these thoughts into a Venn diagram or a chart to help keep the answers to these questions distinct.

For example, some notes on these two artworks have been organized into a chart:

As you determine points of comparison, think about the themes that you have discussed in class. You might consider whether the artworks display similar topics or themes. If both artworks include the same subject matter, for example, how does that similarity contribute to the significance of the comparison? How do these artworks relate to the periods or cultures in which they were produced, and what do those relationships suggest about the comparison? The answers to these questions can typically be informed by your knowledge from class lectures. How have your instructors framed the introduction of individual works in class? What aspects of society or culture have they emphasized to explain why specific formal elements were included or excluded? Once you answer your questions, you might notice that some observations are more important than others.

Writing: developing an interpretation that considers both sources

When drafting your thesis, go beyond simply stating your topic. A statement that says “these representations of pig-like animals have some similarities and differences” doesn’t tell your reader what you will argue in your essay.

To say more, based on the notes in the chart above, you might write the following thesis statement:

Although both artworks depict pig-like animals, they rely on different methods of representing the natural world.

Now you have a place to start. Next, you can say more about your analysis. Ask yourself: “so what?” Why does it matter that these two artworks depict pig-like animals? You might want to return to your class notes at this point. Why did your instructor have you analyze these two works in particular? How does the comparison relate to what you have already discussed in class? Remember, comparison essays will typically ask you to think beyond formal analysis.

While the comparison of a similar subject matter (pig-like animals) may influence your initial argument, you may find that other points of comparison (e.g., the context in which the objects were displayed) allow you to more fully address the matter of significance. Thinking about the comparison in this way, you can write a more complex thesis that answers the “so what?” question. If your class has discussed how artists use animals to comment on their social context, for example, you might explore the symbolic importance of these pig-like animals in nineteenth-century British culture and in first-millenium Vicús culture. What political, social, or religious meanings could these objects have generated? If you find yourself needing to do outside research, look over the final section on research papers below!

Supporting paragraphs

The rest of your comparison essay should address the points raised in your thesis in an organized manner. While you could try several approaches, the two most common organizational tactics are discussing the material “subject-by-subject” and “point-by-point.”

• Subject-by-subject: Organizing the body of the paper in this way involves writing everything that you want to say about Moreland’s painting first (in a series of paragraphs) before moving on to everything about the ceramic bottle (in a series of paragraphs). Using our example, after the introduction, you could include a paragraph that discusses the positioning of the animals in Moreland’s painting, another paragraph that describes the depiction of the pigs’ surroundings, and a third explaining the role of geometry in forming the animals. You would then follow this discussion with paragraphs focused on the same topics, in the same order, for the ancient South American vessel. You could then follow this discussion with a paragraph that synthesizes all of the information and explores the significance of the comparison.
• Point-by-point: This strategy, in contrast, involves discussing a single point of comparison or contrast for both objects at the same time. For example, in a single paragraph, you could examine the use of color in both of our examples. Your next paragraph could move on to the differences in the figures’ setting or background (or lack thereof).

As our use of “pig-like” in this section indicates, titles can be misleading. Many titles are assigned by curators and collectors, in some cases years after the object was produced. While the ceramic vessel is titled Bottle in the Form of a Pig , the date and location suggest it may depict a peccary, a pig-like species indigenous to Peru. As you gather information about your objects, think critically about things like titles and dates. Who assigned the title of the work? If it was someone other than the artist, why might they have given it that title? Don’t always take information like titles and dates at face value.

Be cautious about considering contextual elements not immediately apparent from viewing the objects themselves unless you are explicitly asked to do so (try referring back to the prompt or assignment description; it will often describe the expectation of outside research). You may be able to note that the artworks were created during different periods, in different places, with different functions. Even so, avoid making broad assumptions based on those observations. While commenting on these topics may only require some inference or notes from class, if your argument demands a large amount of outside research, you may be writing a different kind of paper. If so, check out the next section!

3. Research papers

Some assignments in art history ask you to do outside research (i.e., beyond both formal analysis and lecture materials). These writing assignments may ask you to contextualize the visual materials that you are discussing, or they may ask you to explore your material through certain theoretical approaches. More specifically, you may be asked to look at the object’s relationship to ideas about identity, politics, culture, and artistic production during the period in which the work was made or displayed. All of these factors require you to synthesize scholars’ arguments about the materials that you are analyzing. In many cases, you may find little to no research on your specific object. When facing this situation, consider how you can apply scholars’ insights about related materials and the period broadly to your object to form an argument. While we cannot cover all the possibilities here, we’ll highlight a few factors that your instructor may task you with investigating.

Iconography

Papers that ask you to consider iconography may require research on the symbolic role or significance of particular symbols (gestures, objects, etc.). For example, you may need to do some research to understand how pig-like animals are typically represented by the cultural group that made this bottle, the Vicús culture. For the same paper, you would likely research other symbols, notably the bird that forms part of the bottle’s handle, to understand how they relate to one another. This process may involve figuring out how these elements are presented in other artworks and what they mean more broadly.

Artistic style and stylistic period

You may also be asked to compare your object or painting to a particular stylistic category. To determine the typical traits of a style, you may need to hit the library. For example, which period style or stylistic trend does Moreland’s Pigs and Piglets in a Sty belong to? How well does the piece “fit” that particular style? Especially for works that depict the same or similar topics, how might their different styles affect your interpretation? Assignments that ask you to consider style as a factor may require that you do some research on larger historical or cultural trends that influenced the development of a particular style.

Provenance research asks you to find out about the “life” of the object itself. This research can include the circumstances surrounding the work’s production and its later ownership. For the two works discussed in this handout, you might research where these objects were originally displayed and how they ended up in the museum collections in which they now reside. What kind of argument could you develop with this information? For example, you might begin by considering that many bottles and jars resembling the Bottle in the Form of a Pig can be found in various collections of Pre-Columbian art around the world. Where do these objects originate? Do they come from the same community or region?

Patronage study

Prompts that ask you to discuss patronage might ask you to think about how, when, where, and why the patron (the person who commissions or buys the artwork or who supports the artist) acquired the object from the artist. The assignment may ask you to comment on the artist-patron relationship, how the work fit into a broader series of commissions, and why patrons chose particular artists or even particular subjects.

Additional resources

To look up recent articles, ask your librarian about the Art Index, RILA, BHA, and Avery Index. Check out www.lib.unc.edu/art/index.html for further information!

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Adams, Laurie Schneider. 2003. Looking at Art . Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Barnet, Sylvan. 2015. A Short Guide to Writing about Art , 11th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Tate Galleries. n.d. “Art Terms.” Accessed November 1, 2020. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Art History Research at Yale: How to Research Art

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Starting Your Research

Before you begin conducting research, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions:

1. What’s my topic? Review your assignment closely and choose an appropriate topic. Is this topic about a single artist or an art movement? Is it a study of one work or a body of works? How long is the paper—will you need a basic overview, or detailed analysis? Guiding questions such as these can help you determine what the best approach to your research will be. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can ask your professor for guidance, and you can always contact an Arts Librarian using their contact information on this page.

2. Which sources are best for my topic? With infinite time, you would want to read everything available, but there are often resources that are more applicable depending on your research topic. How to Find Art Resources provides more detailed information about choosing helpful sources based on general topics. Watch this video for brief instructions on how to find information on a work of art at the Yale University Art Gallery.

3. How will I manage and cite my sources? When you turn in your paper or presentation, you will need to provide citations in keeping with the preferred citation style. Keeping on top of your citations as you work through your research will save time and stress when you are finishing your project. All Yale students have access to tools to keep citations organized, generate a bibliography, and create footnotes/endnotes. For a quick guide, see How to Cite Your Sources , and more guidance is available on the Citation Management guide .

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ARTH - Art History and Aesthetics: Art History Research

Introduction.

• Includes sources across information formats from books to periodicals, databases, websites, and digital image collections. 
• Read more about writing for art history including artist statements, research papers, analysis, and criticism.
• Guide curation continually evolves to clearly distinguish art historical time periods, trends, styles, trends, artists, and regions, Provenance and Art Market Research.
• If you don't see something,  contact a librarian for additional support.

SKIP DOWN TO:

• Aesthetics ARTH 602

Recommended Image Collections by Topic

Digital art history directories.

These high-quality collections are examples of questions where searchers can "assess sources of visual material and choose relevant artworks and images based on need (ARLIS/NA Information Competencies, p.18)

• ARLIS/NA Multimedia & Technology Reviews
• Digital Art History Directory

Art & Art History

• Fratelli Alinari
• Google Arts & Culture

Architecture & Interior Design

• Pilsen Architecture Manual (PAM)
• Brno Architecture Trails, Brno, Czechoslovakia by the City of Brno and the House of Arts of Brno, Czechoslovakia
• Frank Lloyd Wright buildings (Story Map)
• Archinform- International Architecture Database Includes information for over more than 24,000 built and unrealized projects from various architects and planners. The architecture of the 20th century is the main theme of this database more... less... This database for international architecture, originally emerging from records of interesting building projects from architecture students, has meanwhile become the largest online-database about worldwide architects and buildings from past to present.
• Vitruvio.ch - Architecture on the Web

Search for Images in JStor

Search for images in art & architecture source, online resources for teaching art history.

• ACLS Humanities E-Book (HEB)
• Art HIstory Teaching Resources (AHTR)
• Canadian Online Art Book Project Published by the Art Canada Institute
• MIT Press Open
• Hemispheric Institute The Hemispheric Institute gathers artists, scholars, writers, learners, and activists from across the Americas. more... less... We focus on social justice and research politically engaged culture and performance. We share this work in digital archives and amplify it through dialogues and public scholarship, residencies, publications, and gatherings. Our dynamic, multilingual network crosses disciplines and borders, and is grounded in the fundamental belief that artistic practice and critical reflection can spark lasting cultural change.
• Museum Image Collections
• OASIS search results for 'Architecture'
• Open Access Architectural Content
• Open Access ebooks on the Built Environment Published by University College London.
• Open Collections from JStor/ArtStor Open Access collections of images and primary sources from libraries, museums, and archives around the world.
• World Monuments Fund World Monuments Fund (WMF) is the leading independent organization devoted to safeguarding the world’s most treasured places to enrich people’s lives and build mutual understanding across cultures and communities.

Open Textbooks for Art History

• Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning (OER)
• Arts Textbooks from the Open Textbook Library (OER)
• Art Libraries Society of North American CORE: Open Access for the Humanities

Course Materials

• Open Educational Resources for the Digital Arts & Humanities (OER)
• Project Himalayan Art Comprehensive resources for teaching about Tibetan, Himalayan, and Inner Asian art and cultures, with a focus on cross-cultural exchange.
• SmartHistory - The Center for Public Art History (OER)
• Global Architecture History Teaching Collaborative
• History & The Arts from Open University

Art History Library Catalogs and Bibliographies

• OpenBibArt OpenBibArt is an open-access art historical database unifying the contents of four related datasets. Researchers may freely search in French or English to discover a wide range of citations from among nearly 1.2 million journal articles, books, and exhibition and auction sales catalogues published between 1910 and 2007 on topics in the arts and archeology from late Antiquity to the mid-2000s. The datasets include: the Répertoire d’Art et d’Archéologie (RAA); the Répertoire International de la Littérature de l'Art/International Repertory of the Literature of Art (RILA); and the Bibliographie d’Histoire de l’Art/Bibliography of the History of Art (BHA)
• Getty Library Catalog - Bibliography of the History of Art (BHA) The Getty provides access to the Bibliography of the History of Art (BHA) and to the Répertoire international de la littérature de l'art (RILA). These citation databases, searchable together, cover material published between 1975 and 2007.
• Art & Architecture Collection at the New York Public Library

Writing and Citing about Art History

• Writing & Citing by Eduardo Rivera Last Updated Apr 29, 2021 123 views this year
• Citation Tools by Rosemary Burgos-Mira Last Updated Feb 29, 2024 42 views this year
• Zotero: Citation management tool by Diana Moronta Last Updated Feb 21, 2024 152 views this year

Art History Information Resources

TERTIARY SOURCES

Reference Books and eBooks,  More than a general encyclopedia, specialized styles or historical encyclopedias include detailed entries on artists, styles, or movements alongside cultural context. In addition, rely on these thoroughly researched  bibliographies and reference lists within specialized encyclopedias.

Search the  Library Catalog and other important Art History Library Collections.  New Books - Discover  Art History and Philosophy publications in ebook and print book formats.

Monographs - books dedicated to a single artist or catalog raisonne.

Museum and exhibition catalogs

Websites dedicated to art history can include biographical information from artists' websites, through auction houses, podcasts, video records, museums, archives, and image library collections.

• Read carefully, to understand the contextual results from your keyword search.
• Use the website navigation and a dvanced search tools to locate rare collections. Some collections remain behind a paywall or are limited by local servers due to copyright restrictions. 

See Also, the Visual Resources Guide

Encyclopedias & Dictionaries

Search the NYIT Catalog for Electronic Resources

• Open Educational Resources (OER) by Rosemary Burgos-Mira Last Updated Mar 27, 2024 201 views this year
• Academic One File Select This link opens in a new window Subjects: Multi-disciplinary: Arts, humanities, social sciences, science and technology
• Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new window Multi-disciplinary full text database (core).
• Art Index Retrospective This link opens in a new window Art literature covering fine, decorative, and commercial art.
• Fine Arts: Gale OneFile This link opens in a new window Subjects: Drama, music, art history, and filmmaking
• Biographical Dictionary of British and Irish Architects 1800-1950 Contains information on more than 45,000 people
• RKD Artists & Biographical Database Biographical database from Netherlands Institute for Art History / RKD – Nederlands Instituut voor Kunstgeschiedenis. Covers thousands of artists from the middle ages to the present day. Also includes information on art dealers, collectors, and historians.

Art History Websites

• Heilbrunn History of Art Timeline
• Smarthistory
• ADAM: Art, Design, Architecture & Media Information Gateway
• Art History Research.net by Dr. Christopher L.C.E. Witcombe
• Arcyclopedia Art History indexing site by John Maylon which covers over 9000 artists, art movements, artworks, and art sites.

Notable Museum Collections

• The Museum of Modern Art
• Whitney Museum of American Art
• The Guggenheim Museum
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• see Also, Museum Collections

Important Art History Libraries & Collections

• Morgan Library
• NYARC Discovery NYARC Discovery is a research tool from the New York Art Resources Consortium libraries of the Brooklyn Museum, The Frick Collection, and The Museum of Modern Art.
• Watsonline (Thomas J. Watson Library at the Metropolitan Museum of Art)

ARTH 602 ' Aesthetics and Theory' - Kaufmann

Back to  architecture & design library research guide, search library collections,  schedule a research appointment with a librarian, request scans from books or print journals, library info chat.

Library Resources for ARTH 602 - Aesthetics and Theory:

Ebooks & essays.

Comic Propaganda Pages  - Log In with @nyit.edu google account

This is not propaganda, Chapter 3 & 4 - Log In with @nyit.edu google account

‘Nature and Function of Critical and Creative Thinking’ (ebook) 'Fact Over Fake; A Critical Thinker's Guide to Media Bias and Political Propaganda' (ebook) 'How to Read a Paragraph, the Art of Close Reading' (ebook) 'A Thinker's Guide to Ethical Reasoning' (ebook)

Propaganda, Bernays, Edward L., 1891-1995  (ebook)

The Age of Spiritual Machines : When Computers Exceed human Intelligence, Kurzweil, Ray  (ebook)

Fake News, Propaganda, and Plain Old Lies : How to Find Trustworthy Information in the Digital Age,  Barclay, Donald A.  (ebook)

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking for designers, Piotrowski, Christine M  (ebook)

How Propaganda Works, Stanley, Jason  (ebook)

Living with Robots, Dumouchel, Paul  (ebook)

Playing Smart : on Games, Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence, Togelius, Julian (ebook)

The Curious Person's guide to fighting Fake News, McAfee, David G.(ebook)

The Myth of Artificial Intelligence : Why Computers Can't Think the Way We Do, Larson, Erik John  (ebook)

Bad News : Why We Fall for Fake News , Brotherton, Rob (ebook)

Disinformation and You : Identify Propaganda and Manipulation , Jones, Marie D. (ebook)

Ethics in Design and Communication : critical perspectives, Scherling, Laura (ebook)

LaGarde, J. Fact vs. Fiction : Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in the Age of Fake News,

Bostrom, N. Superintelligence : Paths, Dangers, Strategies  (ebook)

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance : An Inquiry Into Values, Pirsig, Robert M . (ebook)

The Singularity is Near : When Humans Transcend Biology, Kurzweil, Ray (ebook)

AI : its Nature and Future, Boden, Margaret A. (ebook)

Books in Print

Real World AI: A Practical Guide for Responsible Machine Learning, Alyssa Rochwerger 

The Quest for Artificial Intelligence : A History of Ideas and achievements, Nilsson, Nils J.

Artificial Intelligence : An Illustrated History : from Medieval Robots to Neural Networks, Pickover, Clifford A. 

McFarland, E. Blockchain Wars: The Future of Big Tech Monopolies and the Blockchain Internet, 

Artificial Intelligence: 101 Things You Must Know Today About Our Future - Updated Edition for Post-Covid-19 World, \ Rouhiainen, L

This is Not Propaganda : Adventures in the War against Reality, Pomerantsev, Peter (on order)

C omic Art Propaganda : a Graphic History, Strömberg, Fredrik (PN6714 .S77 2010)

New York Times   (* Register for free access to the NYTimes.com  here  using your NYIT email address)

Journals, magazines, and newspapers.

• Wall Street Journal  (* Register for free access to the WSJ.com  here  using your NYIT email address)
• Washington Post
• Times, The (London, UK)
• Financial Times  (Full-Text Delay: 1 month)
• Search across newspapers with the News and Media Databases

 Image Credit: L. Kaufmann.

• Zotero: Citation management tool by Diana Moronta Last Updated Feb 21, 2024 136 views this year

New Books for Art History and Appreciation

Journals & Periodicals

Art historical p eriodicals/journals and magazines  provide documentation and interpretation of art and ideas when they occurred. These include critiques, analyses, interviews of artists, individual works, exhibitions, and gallery reviews. Search across 1000s journals using indexed and/or full-text databases. 

• Artforum International
• Art history
• Art in America

Read your favorites with the Magazine Reader, Browzine App

• BrowZine by Sebastien Marion Last Updated Feb 28, 2024 35 views this year

Art History Video

• Museum of Modern Art
• Alexander Street videos This link opens in a new window Videos- subscription is per title. If the video you need is not available as full access, please email [email protected]
• Kanopy Video Streaming This link opens in a new window Movies and Documentaries
• Masterworks Film Collection

Film Databases:

• Swank Streaming Films This link opens in a new window Videos- subscription is per title. If the video you need is not available as full access, please email [email protected]

Art & Art History Curation

Art historians, curators, and exhibition designers collect, interpret, and preserve the arts. this field has a long history of exclusion and lacking diverse representation. practitioners in the field have published these guides to move forward with more equitable recognition and collection of artists and their creative works.

• The Association of Art Museum Curators Call to Curators: DEAI Practices
• Code of Conduct for Curators
• AAMC Foundation Professional Practices for Art Curators in Nonprofits
• AAMC Artist Demographics Guide

Art Market and Art Provenance Research

Trace the history of  artwork ownership and valuations..

• Art markets persistently influence art historical research. They serve as a place for identification, evaluation, and contextualization when new works or art collections change hands.
• Art Markets document and define points in history for works of art, artist, or an artistic movement. When artworks come to market, these become dates in the artwork's provenance history. Auction listings and sales contribute to the story of an artwork.
• Read more about the art market , in the Oxford Encyclopedia or dive into  the market research with these sources,

Image: Board Auction by Daumier, Honoré 2/26/1808, Marseille, France, 19.5 × 29.5 cm, paper, chalk 10.2.1879, Valmondois  - CC0. https://www.europeana.eu/item/2021012/app_si_A_2002_175

• Invaluable.com Dashboard of ongoing auction listings.
• Askart.com Auction Records and research tools since 1987.
• Getty Provenance Index
• Wildenstein Plattner Institute The WPI presents a selection of 21,000+ sales catalogues dating pre-1945, many of which are annotated. Search for sales catalogues by entering a keyword or by city, country, and/or date.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Benn, Gift of New York City W. P. A., 1943 Benn, Ben. (1941). Still Life, Oil on Canvas, 24 1/4 x 30 in

• Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024 2:26 PM
• URL: https://libguides.nyit.edu/Arthistory

Research in the Art LIbrary

• Browse the Art Library Collections
• Research Basics
• Reference Shelf
• Books & Catalogs
• Journal Articles & Databases
• Digital Image Collections
• ArtStor Tutorial
• Resources by Subject
• Citing Your Sources
• Other Links
• 20th Century Japanese Art: ARTH488B
• 17th Century Art in the Netherlands: ARTH335
• Oxford Art Online Tutorial
• Managing your research
• ARTH 323: Fifteenth-Century Italian Renaissance Art

Writing for Art & Art History

The following guides to art research and writing can help you develop your visual analysis skills and writing style.

The Writing Process

Getting Started:

You may choose to focus on an artist, a work of art, an art movement, or consider a larger theme that encompasses multiple artists, works, or periods, based on your course assignment. Whatever your topic, be sure to formulate an engaging t hesis statement to grab your reader. Placed in the introduction, your thesis should clarify exactly what you wish to argue or demonstrate throughout the rest of the paper.

Conducting Research:

When you have chosen a topic , begin gathering relevant resources from the library's collections of books and journals. Use Database Finder  for online access to journal articles and digital image collections.  Once you have a good sense of your research begin outlining your argument.

Citing your Sources:

It is extremely important to cite the resources used in your research, both in the text and in the bibliography page at the end of your paper.  Generally, footnotes or endnotes, rather than parenthetical (in-text) citations , are used for art research papers. The ARt History and ARchaeology program uses the Chicago Style to format footnotes, endnotes, bibliographies, and the table of contents. Check out this guide to general citation practices , and our guide to art history citations .  Using a bibliographic citation manager as you begin your work is extremely useful and makes citations simple.

Writing for art and art history is usually formal in style and analytical in content. Following the guidelines provided by your professor, you will likely need to devote a significant portion of your paper to visually analyzing one or more works of art. The guides to writing about art in the left-hand column of this page will help you hone your visual analysis and writing skills.

This final step before submitting your paper is one of the most important. The editing process can turn a mediocre paper into an engaging and professional one. The first step is to read through it several times on your own, both silently and aloud. Reading aloud will make any awkward constructions or run-on sentences apparent. If you can, have a friend read your paper to catch the mistakes you missed. You can also take your paper to the English Department's Writing Center where a trained student will help you edit your paper for free!

Formatting your Paper:

Consult the guidelines provided by your professor for this particular course. Your syllabus should indicate which  style manual  you should use. In general, your paper should include an introduction, a body of several or many paragraphs to develop your thesis statement, a conclusion, and a bibliography. You will likely need to include an appendix of images discussed in your paper.

Methods & Historiography

What is art history? How do scholars conduct research and write about art history today? How did they do so in the past?  These are the types of questions answered in the following texts on art historical methodologies and historiographies. Essentially, these texts present the history of art history and the methods of writing used in the past and present. You may write a paper with an eye toward the social history of art, adhere to iconographic analysis in the tradition of Erwin Panofsky, or use a combination of methods -- the choice is yours, unless specified by your professor .

Basic Library Skills

• Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources

The following guides to information resources address a variety of basic questions about the research process:

• Art Book Reviews
• Requesting Resource Delivery
• Annotated Bibliography
• Fair Use & Copyright
• << Previous: Browse the Art Library Collections
• Next: Reference Shelf >>
• Last Updated: Jan 5, 2024 2:50 PM
• URL: https://lib.guides.umd.edu/arthistory

Archives of American Art

The Archives of American Art is the world’s preeminent and most widely used research center dedicated to collecting, preserving, and providing access to primary sources that document the history of the visual arts in America.

Read more about the Archives

Latest from the Podcast

Season 3 Episode 12: This women's thing: feminism and the arts

Through many modes and for many aims, feminists have sought to improve equity in and through the visual arts. In this episode, hear from a variety of women as they describe the trajectory of feminism they've seen in their lives and careers, including stories from Faith Ringgold, Linda Nochlin, Judy Baca, and Joan Semmel among others. 

Collections on View

Staff Picks: Our Favorite Things from the Collection

This exhibition provides some fascinating and helpful starting points by introducing staff members and items they find special, sometimes for very personal reasons. Welcome to the Archives of American Art!

On the Blog

New Collections: Sonya Clark, Shelia Pepe, and Margaret Roach Wheeler Oral Histories

Ben Gillespie, the Arlene and Robert Kogod Secretarial Scholar for Oral History, presents three recently completed oral history interviews

Recipients of the Archives of American Art Medal and  the Lawrence A. Fleischman Award Announced

The Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Art has announced the recipients of The Lawrence A. Fleischman Award for Scholarly Excellence in the Field of American Art History and the Archives of American Art Medal. These annual awards, the Archives of American Art’s highest honors, recognize individuals who have made transformative contributions in the field of American art.

Visit a Research Center

Original material can be consulted by appointment in our  Washington, D.C. Headquarters .

Copies of unrestricted microfilm materials can be obtained through one of our affiliated research centers .

Get Involved

Internship, fellowship, and volunteer opportunities provide students and lifelong learners with the ability to contribute to the study and preservation of visual arts records in America .

Terra Foundation Center for Digital Collections

A virtual repository of a substantial cross-section of the Archives' most significant collections.

Visit the Terra Foundation Center for Digital Collections

Art History Writing Guide

I. Introduction II. Writing Assignments III. Discipline-Specific Strategies IV. Keep in Mind V. Appendix

Introduction

At the heart of every art history paper is a close visual analysis of at least one work of art. In art history you are building an argument about something visual. Depending on the assignment, this analysis may be the basis for an assignment or incorporated into a paper as support to contextualize an argument. To guide students in how to write an art history paper, the Art History Department suggests that you begin with a visual observation that leads to the development of an interpretive thesis/argument. The writing uses visual observations as evidence to support an argument about the art that is being analyzed.

Writing Assignments

You will be expected to write several different kinds of art history papers. They include:

• Close Visual Analysis Essays
• Close Visual Analysis in dialogue with scholarly essays
• Research Papers

Close Visual Analysis pieces are the most commonly written papers in an introductory art history course. You will have to look at a work of art and analyze it in its entirety. The analysis and discussion should provide a clearly articulated interpretation of the object. Your argument for this paper should be backed up with careful description and analysis of the visual evidence that led you to your conclusion.

Close Visual Analysis in dialogue with scholarly essays combines formal analysis with close textual analysis.

Research papers range from theoretic studies to critical histories. Based on library research, students are asked to synthesize analyses of the scholarship in relation to the work upon which it is based.

Discipline-Specific Strategies

As with all writing assignment, a close visual analysis is a process. The work you do before you actually start writing can be just as important as what you consider when writing up your analysis.

Conducting the analysis :

• Ask questions as you are studying the artwork. Consider, for example, how does each element of the artwork contribute to the work's overall meaning. How do you know? How do elements relate to each other? What effect is produced by their juxtaposition
• Use the criteria provided by your professor to complete your analysis. This criteria may include forms, space, composition, line, color, light, texture, physical characteristics, and expressive content.

Writing the analysis:

• Develop a strong interpretive thesis about what you think is the overall effect or meaning of the image.
• Ground your argument in direct and specific references to the work of art itself.
• Describe the image in specific terms and with the criteria that you used for the analysis. For example, a stray diagonal from the upper left corner leads the eye to...
• Create an introduction that sets the stage for your paper by briefly describing the image you are analyzing and by stating your thesis.
• Explain how the elements work together to create an overall effect. Try not to just list the elements, but rather explain how they lead to or support your analysis.
• Contextualize the image within a historical and cultural framework only when required for an assignment. Some assignments actually prefer that you do not do this. Remember not to rely on secondary sources for formal analysis. The goal is to see what in the image led to your analysis; therefore, you will not need secondary sources in this analysis. Be certain to show how each detail supports your argument.
• Include only the elements needed to explain and support your analysis. You do not need to include everything you saw since this excess information may detract from your main argument.

Keep in Mind

• An art history paper has an argument that needs to be supported with elements from the image being analyzed.
• Avoid making grand claims. For example, saying "The artist wanted..." is different from "The warm palette evokes..." The first phrasing necessitates proof of the artist's intent, as opposed to the effect of the image.
• Make sure that your paper isn't just description. You should choose details that illustrate your central ideas and further the purpose of your paper.

If you find you are still having trouble writing your art history paper, please speak to your professor, and feel free to make an appointment at the Writing Center. For further reading, see Sylvan Barnet's A Short Guide to Writing about Art , 5th edition.

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Art History Research net [AHR net]   is an art history research service consisting of five related and linked databases:

• ReView - Contains the full text of a wide range of International Art and Architecture journals published between the 1860s and the 1930s
• Arts + Architecture Profiles - Contains biographical data on nearly 45,000 artists, architects, designers and craftspeople
• Design Abstracts Retrospective - Contains abstracts of articles and an index of images in design journals published between 1900-1986
• Research Sources: 1: British & Irish Architecture and Decorative and Applied Arts 1850s to the 1930s - This is an ongoing project to digitize every book, exhibition catalogue, pamphlet and conference paper, as well as much of the journal literature published in Britain and Ireland during the late nineteenth century and early years of the twentieth century
• Research Sources: 2. The Poster - Contains extensive research data on the history of the Poster
• Research Guide 1: Internet Sources of Biographical Information on Artists, Designers, Architects and Craftspeople
• Research Guide 2: Free-access, digitised art, architecture, design and craft journals on the Internet
• Research Guide 3: Free-access Online Art History Journals, Newsletters and Blogs
• AHRnet Biographical Dictionary of British and Irish Architects 1800-1950

The Information shown below is exclusively available to subscribers:

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Writing Essays in Art History

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

These OWL resources provide guidance on typical genres with the art history discipline that may appear in professional settings or academic assignments, including museum catalog entries, museum title cards, art history analysis, notetaking, and art history exams.

Art History Analysis – Formal Analysis and Stylistic Analysis

Typically in an art history class the main essay students will need to write for a final paper or for an exam is a formal or stylistic analysis.

A formal analysis is just what it sounds like – you need to analyze the form of the artwork. This includes the individual design elements – composition, color, line, texture, scale, contrast, etc. Questions to consider in a formal analysis is how do all these elements come together to create this work of art? Think of formal analysis in relation to literature – authors give descriptions of characters or places through the written word. How does an artist convey this same information?

Organize your information and focus on each feature before moving onto the text – it is not ideal to discuss color and jump from line to then in the conclusion discuss color again. First summarize the overall appearance of the work of art – is this a painting? Does the artist use only dark colors? Why heavy brushstrokes? etc and then discuss details of the object – this specific animal is gray, the sky is missing a moon, etc. Again, it is best to be organized and focused in your writing – if you discuss the animals and then the individuals and go back to the animals you run the risk of making your writing unorganized and hard to read. It is also ideal to discuss the focal of the piece – what is in the center? What stands out the most in the piece or takes up most of the composition?

A stylistic approach can be described as an indicator of unique characteristics that analyzes and uses the formal elements (2-D: Line, color, value, shape and 3-D all of those and mass).The point of style is to see all the commonalities in a person’s works, such as the use of paint and brush strokes in Van Gogh’s work. Style can distinguish an artist’s work from others and within their own timeline, geographical regions, etc.

Methods & Theories To Consider:

Expressionism

Instructuralism

Postmodernism

Social Art History

Biographical Approach

Poststructuralism

Museum Studies

Visual Cultural Studies

Stylistic Analysis Example:

The following is a brief stylistic analysis of two Greek statues, an example of how style has changed because of the “essence of the age.” Over the years, sculptures of women started off as being plain and fully clothed with no distinct features, to the beautiful Venus/Aphrodite figures most people recognize today. In the mid-seventh century to the early fifth, life-sized standing marble statues of young women, often elaborately dress in gaily painted garments were created known as korai. The earliest korai is a Naxian women to Artemis. The statue wears a tight-fitted, belted peplos, giving the body a very plain look. The earliest korai wore the simpler Dorian peplos, which was a heavy woolen garment. From about 530, most wear a thinner, more elaborate, and brightly painted Ionic linen and himation. A largely contrasting Greek statue to the korai is the Venus de Milo. The Venus from head to toe is six feet seven inches tall. Her hips suggest that she has had several children. Though her body shows to be heavy, she still seems to almost be weightless. Viewing the Venus de Milo, she changes from side to side. From her right side she seems almost like a pillar and her leg bears most of the weight. She seems be firmly planted into the earth, and since she is looking at the left, her big features such as her waist define her. The Venus de Milo had a band around her right bicep. She had earrings that were brutally stolen, ripping her ears away. Venus was noted for loving necklaces, so it is very possibly she would have had one. It is also possible she had a tiara and bracelets. Venus was normally defined as “golden,” so her hair would have been painted. Two statues in the same region, have throughout history, changed in their style.

Compare and Contrast Essay

Most introductory art history classes will ask students to write a compare and contrast essay about two pieces – examples include comparing and contrasting a medieval to a renaissance painting. It is always best to start with smaller comparisons between the two works of art such as the medium of the piece. Then the comparison can include attention to detail so use of color, subject matter, or iconography. Do the same for contrasting the two pieces – start small. After the foundation is set move on to the analysis and what these comparisons or contrasting material mean – ‘what is the bigger picture here?’ Consider why one artist would wish to show the same subject matter in a different way, how, when, etc are all questions to ask in the compare and contrast essay. If during an exam it would be best to quickly outline the points to make before tackling writing the essay.

Compare and Contrast Example:

Stele of Hammurabi from Susa (modern Shush, Iran), ca. 1792 – 1750 BCE, Basalt, height of stele approx. 7’ height of relief 28’

Stele, relief sculpture, Art as propaganda – Hammurabi shows that his law code is approved by the gods, depiction of land in background, Hammurabi on the same place of importance as the god, etc.

Top of this stele shows the relief image of Hammurabi receiving the law code from Shamash, god of justice, Code of Babylonian social law, only two figures shown, different area and time period, etc.

Stele of Naram-sin , Sippar Found at Susa c. 2220 - 2184 bce. Limestone, height 6'6"

Stele, relief sculpture, Example of propaganda because the ruler (like the Stele of Hammurabi) shows his power through divine authority, Naramsin is the main character due to his large size, depiction of land in background, etc.

Akkadian art, made of limestone, the stele commemorates a victory of Naramsin, multiple figures are shown specifically soldiers, different area and time period, etc.

Iconography

Regardless of what essay approach you take in class it is absolutely necessary to understand how to analyze the iconography of a work of art and to incorporate into your paper. Iconography is defined as subject matter, what the image means. For example, why do things such as a small dog in a painting in early Northern Renaissance paintings represent sexuality? Additionally, how can an individual perhaps identify these motifs that keep coming up?

The following is a list of symbols and their meaning in Marriage a la Mode by William Hogarth (1743) that is a series of six paintings that show the story of marriage in Hogarth’s eyes.

• Man has pockets turned out symbolizing he has lost money and was recently in a fight by the state of his clothes.
• Lap dog shows loyalty but sniffs at woman’s hat in the husband’s pocket showing sexual exploits.
• Black dot on husband’s neck believed to be symbol of syphilis.
• Mantel full of ugly Chinese porcelain statues symbolizing that the couple has no class.
• Butler had to go pay bills, you can tell this by the distasteful look on his face and that his pockets are stuffed with bills and papers.
• Card game just finished up, women has directions to game under foot, shows her easily cheating nature.
• Paintings of saints line a wall of the background room, isolated from the living, shows the couple’s complete disregard to faith and religion.
• The dangers of sexual excess are underscored in the Hograth by placing Cupid among ruins, foreshadowing the inevitable ruin of the marriage.
• Eventually the series (other five paintings) shows that the woman has an affair, the men duel and die, the woman hangs herself and the father takes her ring off her finger symbolizing the one thing he could salvage from the marriage.

Ancient Art History Research Paper Topics

This page presents a comprehensive guide for students examining ancient art history research paper topics . The field of ancient art history, encompassing a vast spectrum of civilizations and epochs, offers countless areas of exploration. We have prepared an extensive list of 100 research paper topics, meticulously categorized into ten sections, each reflecting a specific region or era in ancient art history. Expert advice on selecting relevant ancient art history research paper topics is provided, complemented by practical tips on writing an impactful and academically robust ancient art history research paper. In the next segment, we introduce iResearchNet’s custom writing services. Students have the opportunity to order a personalized ancient art history research paper on any chosen topic.

100 Ancient Art History Research Paper Topics

Introduction: In this section, we present a comprehensive list of ancient art history research paper topics. By exploring these topics, students studying art history can find inspiration for their research papers and delve into the fascinating world of ancient art. The following 10 categories encompass various aspects of ancient art history, providing a wide range of options to explore.

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Prehistoric Art

• The Origins of Cave Paintings: Symbolism and Interpretation
• Neolithic Sculpture and its Cultural Significance
• Paleolithic Venus Figurines: Representations of Fertility and Power
• Rock Art Across Different Prehistoric Cultures
• Megalithic Monuments: Exploring the Purpose and Construction Techniques
• Shamanistic Art: Unveiling the Spiritual Beliefs of Early Humans
• Artistic Expressions in Ice Age Cultures
• Portable Art of the Paleolithic Era: A Window into Ancient Lifestyles
• The Role of Animals in Prehistoric Art
• Decorative Motifs in Prehistoric Pottery

Ancient Egyptian Art

• Symbolism in Egyptian Funerary Art and Architecture
• The Role of Pharaohs in Shaping Egyptian Art and Culture
• The Amarna Revolution: Artistic Expression under Akhenaten
• Artistic Techniques in Egyptian Wall Paintings and Reliefs
• The Influence of Ancient Egyptian Art on Later Civilizations
• The Temple Complexes of Ancient Egypt: Sacred Spaces and Rituals
• Egyptian Tomb Paintings: Depicting the Afterlife Journey
• Hieroglyphs and the Art of Writing in Ancient Egypt
• The Role of Women in Egyptian Art and Society
• Religious Iconography in Ancient Egyptian Art

Ancient Greek Art

• The Evolution of Greek Sculpture: From Archaic to Classical
• Athenian Vase Painting: Themes, Styles, and Significance
• Greek Temples and Architectural Innovations
• Alexander the Great and Hellenistic Art: Blending Cultures
• The Parthenon Marbles: Controversies and Repatriation Debates
• Mythology in Greek Art: Gods, Heroes, and Legends
• Greek Pottery: Form, Function, and Decoration
• Greek Theater and its Visual Representations
• Olympic Games in Ancient Greek Art
• Portraits of Rulers and Statesmen in Ancient Greece

Roman Art and Architecture

• Roman Portraiture: Capturing Identity and Power
• The Colosseum: Function, Design, and Entertainment
• Roman Wall Paintings: Exploring Domestic Art
• The Pantheon: Engineering Marvel and Religious Symbolism
• Roman Mosaics: A Reflection of Society and Culture
• Roman Imperial Sculpture: Ideals of Power and Authority
• Roman Frescoes and their Themes
• Roman Triumphal Arches: Commemorating Victories
• Roman Coinage and its Depiction of Emperors and Deities
• The Influence of Etruscan Art on Roman Civilization

Ancient Mesopotamian Art

• Mesopotamian Cylinder Seals: Significance and Iconography
• The Ishtar Gate: A Symbol of Babylonian Power
• Sumerian Ziggurats: Architecture and Religious Beliefs
• Assyrian Palace Reliefs: Depictions of Conquest and Royal Life
• The Code of Hammurabi Stele: Legal System and Visual Representation
• Mesopotamian Jewelry and Adornment
• The Epic of Gilgamesh in Art and Sculpture
• Mesopotamian Clay Tablets: Cuneiform Writing and Record-Keeping
• Babylonian Astronomical Instruments and their Depiction in Art
• Mesopotamian Influence on Ancient Near Eastern Art

Ancient Asian Art

• Buddhist Art in Ancient India: Symbolism and Iconography
• Chinese Calligraphy: Script as an Art Form
• Japanese Woodblock Prints: Beauty and Narrative
• The Terracotta Army: Commemorating Emperor Qin Shi Huang
• Gandhara Art: Fusion of Greek and Indian Influences
• Silk Road Art and Cultural Exchange
• The Art of Tea in East Asia: Ceramics, Utensils, and Rituals
• The Zen Garden: Artistic Expression and Spiritual Contemplation
• Hindu Temples and their Architectural Features
• Korean Celadon Pottery: Techniques and Aesthetics

Ancient African Art

• Nok Terracottas: Early Nigerian Artistic Expressions
• Egyptian Influence on Nubian Art and Architecture
• Great Zimbabwe: Architecture and Cultural Significance
• Ife Bronze Heads: Portraits of Royalty and Divinity
• African Masks: Rituals, Symbolism, and Performance
• Rock Art of the Sahara: Depicting Ancient Life and Beliefs
• Benin Bronzes: Courtly Art and Royal Power
• Sahelian Architecture: Mud Brick Structures and Design
• Dogon Sculpture: Ancestral Spirits and Cosmic Order
• Ethiopian Christian Art: Illuminated Manuscripts and Iconography

Pre-Columbian Art of the Americas

• Mayan Glyphs and Hieroglyphic Writing: Decoding Ancient Texts
• Aztec Temples and Sacred Spaces
• Inca Metalwork: Techniques and Cultural Significance
• Olmec Colossal Heads: Mystery and Meaning
• Native American Rock Art: Communication and Spiritual Practices
• Chavin de Huantar: Architecture and Rituals in Ancient Peru
• Nazca Lines: Geoglyphs and Astronomical Alignments
• Moche Pottery: Figurines and Narrative Scenes
• Maya Murals: Religious and Historical Narratives
• Inca Textiles: Weaving Techniques and Symbolism

Byzantine Art and Iconography

• The Hagia Sophia: Architecture and Religious Symbolism
• Iconoclasm and the Shifting Role of Religious Images
• Byzantine Mosaics: Glorious Decoration and Spiritual Expression
• The Byzantine Influence on Russian Iconography
• The Empress Theodora: Power and Patronage in Byzantine Art
• Illuminated Manuscripts in Byzantium
• Byzantine Ivory Carvings: Religious and Secular Themes
• The Byzantine Iconostasis: Artistic Elements and Liturgical Function
• The Byzantine Cross: Symbolism and Variations
• Early Christian Symbols in Byzantine Art

Early Christian Art

• Catacomb Paintings: Early Christian Devotion and Symbolism
• The Basilica of San Vitale: Byzantine Influence in Ravenna
• Early Christian Mosaics: Expressions of Faith and Worship
• Early Christian Manuscripts: Scriptural Illustrations and Decoration
• Christian Iconography in Roman Catacombs
• Christian Pilgrimage Art: Relics, Shrines, and Devotion
• The Cult of Saints in Early Christian Art
• Early Christian Basilicas: Architecture and Liturgy
• The Book of Kells: Illuminated Manuscript from Early Medieval Ireland
• Early Christian Sarcophagi: Representations of Salvation and Resurrection

This comprehensive list of ancient art history research paper topics offers students studying art history a wide range of fascinating and engaging subjects to explore. Whether focusing on specific civilizations or broader themes, these topics provide ample opportunities for research, analysis, and the appreciation of the rich artistic traditions of the ancient world. Delve into the captivating realm of ancient art history and unlock the secrets of our cultural heritage through these intriguing research paper topics.

Ancient Art History: Exploring the Range of Research Paper Topics

Ancient art history is a captivating field that allows us to delve into the artistic traditions and cultural expressions of past civilizations. From the dawn of human creativity in prehistoric times to the remarkable achievements of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and beyond, studying ancient art provides us with valuable insights into the beliefs, aesthetics, and societal contexts of these ancient cultures. In this section, we will explore the diverse range of research paper topics in ancient art history, highlighting the breadth and depth of this fascinating field.

Ancient art encompasses various time periods, regions, and artistic styles, offering a rich tapestry of human creativity and cultural heritage. It provides us with a window into the past, shedding light on the values, ideologies, and social structures of ancient societies. Whether you are interested in the grandeur of Egyptian pyramids, the refined sculptures of ancient Greece, the monumental architecture of Rome, or the intricate craftsmanship of ancient China, there is a wide array of research paper topics to explore within the realm of ancient art history.

• Prehistoric Art : The origins of art can be traced back to prehistoric times when our ancestors expressed their creativity through cave paintings, rock art, and small figurines. Research paper topics in prehistoric art could delve into the techniques used, the symbolism behind the artworks, the role of art in prehistoric societies, and the cultural significance of these ancient expressions.
• Egyptian Art : The art of ancient Egypt is renowned for its monumental architecture, striking sculptures, and elaborate burial rituals. Topics in Egyptian art could explore the symbolism and religious beliefs reflected in tomb paintings, the techniques employed in sculpting statues of pharaohs, the evolution of artistic styles over different dynasties, and the social and political functions of art in ancient Egypt.
• Mesopotamian Art : Mesopotamia, known as the cradle of civilization, boasts a rich artistic heritage. Topics in Mesopotamian art might delve into the symbolism and religious beliefs conveyed through monumental ziggurats, the intricate details of cylinder seals, the royal reliefs adorning palace walls, and the role of art in communicating power and authority in ancient Mesopotamian societies.
• Greek Art : Ancient Greece was a cradle of artistic achievement, with its sculptures, architecture, and pottery serving as enduring legacies. Research paper topics in Greek art might focus on the idealized representations of the human form in classical sculpture, the influence of mythology on Greek vase painting, the architectural wonders of the Acropolis, and the significance of art in shaping Greek identity and civic life.
• Roman Art : The Romans built upon the artistic traditions of the Greeks and created their own unique contributions to the art world. Topics in Roman art could explore the realistic portraiture that adorned public spaces, the engineering marvels of Roman architecture such as the Colosseum and aqueducts, the narrative scenes depicted in wall paintings in Pompeii, and the role of art in propaganda and the projection of imperial power.
• Ancient Near Eastern Art : The ancient Near East encompasses a diverse range of cultures, including Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians. Research paper topics in ancient Near Eastern art might examine the iconic Ishtar Gate of Babylon, the divine symbolism in Assyrian relief sculptures, the development of cuneiform writing and its influence on art, and the connections between art, religion, and politics in the ancient Near East.
• Indus Valley Art : The Indus Valley Civilization flourished in ancient South Asia and left behind a rich artistic legacy. Research paper topics in Indus Valley art could explore the significance of the iconic Dancing Girl sculpture, the intricacies of the seal script, the representation of animals in the art of the region, and the cultural and religious contexts of Indus Valley artworks.
• Chinese Art : China has a long and illustrious artistic tradition spanning thousands of years. Topics in Chinese art could include the symbolism and spirituality of traditional Chinese painting, the intricate craftsmanship of porcelain and jade, the significance of Buddhist sculptures in the ancient Silk Road trade, and the role of art in representing imperial power and social status in ancient China.
• Celtic Art : The art of the ancient Celts is characterized by intricate metalwork, stone carvings, and vibrant designs. Research paper topics in Celtic art might explore the symbolism of Celtic knotwork, the cultural and religious significance of Celtic artifacts, the stylistic variations across different regions and time periods, and the interactions between Celtic art and other ancient artistic traditions.
• African Art : The art of ancient Africa is characterized by its diversity, creativity, and cultural significance. Research paper topics in African art might focus on the spiritual symbolism of masks and sculptures, the aesthetics of body adornment and textiles, the representation of power and authority in royal art, and the cultural exchange and influence between different regions and civilizations in ancient Africa.

The study of ancient art history allows us to explore the rich cultural heritage and artistic achievements of past civilizations. By examining the diverse range of research paper topics in ancient art history, students can gain a deeper understanding of the artistic techniques, cultural contexts, and social functions of art in different ancient societies. From prehistoric cave paintings to the monumental sculptures of ancient Egypt, the refined pottery of ancient Greece, and the intricate artworks of ancient China, the world of ancient art history offers a captivating journey into the past. By conducting research and writing papers on these topics, students can contribute to the ongoing exploration and appreciation of ancient art and its significance in shaping human history.

Choosing Ancient Art History Research Paper Topics

Selecting the right research paper topic in ancient art history is crucial to the success of your project. It allows you to explore an area of interest, contribute to the existing scholarship, and showcase your analytical and research skills. In this section, we will provide you with expert advice on how to choose compelling and engaging ancient art history research paper topics that will captivate your readers and demonstrate your expertise in the field.

• Define Your Interests : Begin by reflecting on your personal interests within the realm of ancient art history. Consider the time periods, cultures, artistic styles, or specific artworks that intrigue you the most. Are you fascinated by the enigmatic beauty of Egyptian hieroglyphs? Or perhaps you have a passion for the classical sculptures of ancient Greece? Identifying your areas of interest will help narrow down potential research paper topics.
• Explore Uncharted Territory : While it’s important to study well-established topics in ancient art history, there is also value in exploring lesser-known or understudied areas. Look for gaps in the existing literature or unexplored aspects of ancient art that pique your curiosity. By choosing a unique and original research topic, you can make a valuable contribution to the field and generate fresh insights.
• Consider Cross-Cultural Connections : Ancient art was not created in isolation but often influenced by interactions and exchanges between different cultures. Consider exploring the cross-cultural connections and artistic influences between ancient civilizations. For example, you could investigate the influence of Egyptian art on Minoan frescoes or the impact of Hellenistic art on the Gandharan sculptures of ancient India.
• Analyze Artistic Techniques and Materials : Artistic techniques and materials used in ancient art offer a wealth of research possibilities. You can delve into the methods of sculpting, painting, pottery-making, or metalworking employed by ancient artists. Explore how technological advancements or regional resources influenced artistic production and the evolution of artistic styles.
• Investigate Social and Cultural Contexts : Art is a reflection of the society and culture in which it was created. Choose research paper topics that allow you to delve into the social, political, religious, or economic contexts of ancient art. For example, you could explore the role of art in ancient burial practices, the depiction of power and authority in royal artworks, or the symbolism of religious motifs in ancient artistic traditions.
• Study Iconography and Symbolism : Ancient art is often rich in symbolism and iconography, conveying deeper meanings and cultural significance. Analyze the symbols, motifs, and visual language used in ancient artworks and their connections to religious, mythological, or social contexts. Investigate the messages and narratives embedded within the visual representations to gain a deeper understanding of ancient cultures.
• Examine Restoration and Conservation Efforts : Restoration and conservation play a vital role in preserving ancient artworks for future generations. Research topics could focus on the techniques and challenges involved in restoring ancient murals, sculptures, or architectural elements. Explore how modern conservation practices have evolved over time and their impact on our understanding and appreciation of ancient art.
• Investigate Art and Identity : Ancient art provides insights into the formation of individual and collective identities. Choose research paper topics that examine the representation of gender, ethnicity, or social status in ancient art. Explore how artists depicted diverse identities, challenged societal norms, or reinforced cultural hierarchies through their artworks.
• Explore the Intersection of Art and Politics : Art and politics often intersect in powerful ways. Investigate the role of art in political propaganda, cultural diplomacy, or the projection of power in ancient civilizations. Examine how rulers used art to legitimize their authority, promote specific ideologies, or communicate with their subjects.
• Embrace Interdisciplinary Approaches : Ancient art history is a multidisciplinary field that can benefit from interdisciplinary approaches. Consider integrating insights from archaeology, anthropology, history, or other related disciplines into your research paper. This interdisciplinary approach can provide a broader understanding of ancient art and enrich your analysis.

Choosing the right research paper topic in ancient art history requires careful consideration and exploration of your interests, the existing scholarship, and the broader cultural and historical contexts. By defining your areas of interest, exploring uncharted territory, considering cross-cultural connections, analyzing artistic techniques and materials, investigating social and cultural contexts, studying iconography and symbolism, examining restoration and conservation efforts, investigating art and identity, exploring the intersection of art and politics, and embracing interdisciplinary approaches, you can find a captivating and meaningful research topic. Remember to select a topic that not only engages you but also contributes to the scholarly discourse and demonstrates your expertise in the fascinating world of ancient art history.

How to Write an Ancient Art History Research Paper

Writing a research paper in ancient art history requires careful planning, diligent research, and effective organization. In this section, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a compelling and well-structured ancient art history research paper that showcases your knowledge and analytical skills.

• Understand the Assignment : Before you begin writing, thoroughly understand the requirements and guidelines of your research paper assignment. Clarify any uncertainties with your instructor to ensure you are on the right track. Pay attention to the formatting style, word count, and specific research parameters.
• Conduct In-Depth Research : Gather relevant and reliable sources to support your research paper. Consult scholarly books, academic journals, museum catalogs, and reputable online databases. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key arguments, supporting evidence, and relevant quotations. Ensure that you use a combination of primary and secondary sources to provide a well-rounded analysis.
• Develop a Strong Thesis Statement : Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument or research question of your paper. Your thesis should be specific, debatable, and supported by evidence from your research. It sets the foundation for your entire paper and guides the direction of your analysis.
• Organize Your Research : Create an outline to organize your research and structure your paper. Divide your paper into logical sections, such as introduction, literature review, methodology, analysis, and conclusion. Within each section, outline the main points and supporting evidence that you will discuss.
• Introduction : In your introduction, provide background information on the topic and context of your research. Present the significance of your research question and explain why it is relevant to the field of ancient art history. Finally, end your introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines the main argument or objective of your research paper.
• Literature Review : In the literature review section, critically analyze and synthesize the existing scholarship on your chosen topic. Identify the main theories, arguments, and debates within the field of ancient art history related to your research question. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of previous studies and highlight the gaps in the literature that your research aims to address.
• Methodology : If applicable, describe the research methodology and approach you will use in your study. Explain the sources you have used, such as archaeological findings, textual analysis, or visual analysis. Justify your chosen methodology and discuss any limitations or challenges you may encounter.
• Analysis : Present your analysis and interpretation of the evidence gathered from your research. Use a combination of visual examples, textual references, and scholarly arguments to support your analysis. Be clear and concise in your explanations and provide sufficient evidence to back up your claims.
• Use Visuals : Ancient art is primarily visual, so it is essential to include relevant images, illustrations, or diagrams to support your analysis. Ensure that you provide proper captions and citations for all visuals used in your research paper.
• Conclusion : In your conclusion, summarize the main points of your research and restate your thesis statement. Reflect on the significance of your findings and their implications for the field of ancient art history. Discuss any limitations or areas for further research. Leave your readers with a thought-provoking final statement that encourages them to contemplate the broader implications of your research.
• Citations and References : Properly cite all the sources used in your research paper using the appropriate citation style (such as APA, MLA, or Chicago). Create a bibliography or reference list that includes all the sources consulted. Ensure that you follow the formatting guidelines for your chosen citation style accurately.
• Revise and Edit : After completing your initial draft, take the time to revise and edit your research paper. Check for clarity, coherence, and logical flow of ideas. Ensure that your arguments are supported by evidence and that your writing is free of grammatical and spelling errors. Seek feedback from peers or professors to gain different perspectives on your work.
• Proofread : Before submitting your research paper, thoroughly proofread it to eliminate any lingering errors. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. Ensure that your paper adheres to the required formatting style and meets all the guidelines set by your instructor.

Writing an ancient art history research paper requires meticulous planning, in-depth research, and effective organization. By following the steps outlined above, you can develop a compelling and well-structured research paper that demonstrates your knowledge and analytical skills in the field of ancient art history. Remember to carefully analyze your sources, develop a strong thesis statement, present a clear and coherent argument, and support your analysis with relevant evidence. With dedication and attention to detail, you can create an exceptional research paper that contributes to the ongoing scholarly discourse in the field of ancient art history.

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For this paper students will participate in an arena established by a relevant professional group or organisation that call for works reflecting an authentic skill set or other aspect of professional practice associated with the arts. For example, creative performances (music, theatre, writing competitions, film festivals and cultural festivals etc) or creative projects that are judged, displayed publicly or performed to an external audience.

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Common Thread by SO – IL debuts at the 2024 Bruges Triennial

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Every three years a series of spectacular art installations are sited among the winding, cobble stone streets and medieval church steeples of Bruges, Belgium . For this year’s iteration of the art and architecture festival, Bruges Triennial, SO – IL has designed a public art piece, Common Thread , that delivers a meandering wave-like structure which plays into Bruges’s gothic character and history of lace-making .

Common Thread takes place inside an old monastery courtyard. From the street, the 19th century space is remiss: The 14,000-square-foot courtyard is squared off by a series of buildings, accessible via an innocuous gateway.

The installation by New York–based SO – IL for the Bruges Triennial begins at an unassuming gateway, where a small vignette was designed to entice pedestrians into the unknown. From there, guests meander through a phantasmagoric series of playfully spiraling tunnels wrapped in charcoal gray mesh. Visitors are then ejected into a sunlit courtyard. The design team called the intervention an “urban conduit between districts.”

Thus, Common Thread subverts the secluded area into a playground for serendipitous encounters and exploration. There, the architects sought to reveal a space that was previously hidden from public view through an immersive textile installation that’s both formally enticing and historically informed.

Cumulatively, Common Thread employs 180 arches. The mesh material that laces the arches together is the product of a close collaboration between SO – IL’s Jing Liu, Florian Idenburg, and Fabian Pulle; and TU Delft faculty Dr. Mariana Popescu and Anass Kariouh. Diederik Veenendaal, Alessio Vigorito, and Anand Shah were responsible for engineering; and Nick Gereels, Valentin Lorenzen da Silva Jade, Verlinde, Frieder Ringel, and Robin Oval helped with assembly.

Today, Bruges is well known for a type of textile called bobbin lace which can still be seen in the medieval city’s shops and ancient béguinage . For the Bruges Triennial, SO – IL experimented with the age-old textile using modern technology. According to the architects, the textile design “pays homage to a centuries-old history of lace-making, and the embedded knowledge passed down by the women of Bruges through generations.”

Toward that end, the architects collaborated with Dr. Mariana Popescu and her assistant from TU Delft, Anass Kariouh. The team, aided by a programmable 3D knitting machine, unlocked new geometric possibilities for the material: The design features individual threads that combine and diverge into surprising, ever-changing patterns whose character intentionally recalls Hokusai’s The Great Wave .

The design team from TU Delft and SO – IL collaborated with Summum Engineering to evaluate computational simulations and material samples, guiding form and structural framework. The end result plays into SO – IL’s existing corpus of work which often explores elastic forms that bend and contort all while using standardized materials.

Common Thread is open in Bruges through September 1. Other installations on view as part of the Bruges Triennial in the small historic city include a boat sculpture by Sumayya Vally that references the area’s trade history and Star of the Sea , a collection of tube-like volumes installed on the beach. In addition to these architectural contributions, a number of museum and cultural institutions have corresponding programming , exhibitions, and talks that run through the length of the Bruges Triennial.

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US History Research Paper Topics: Moments that Shaped a Nation

Table of contents

• 1.1 Interesting US History Topics for Research Paper Before 1877
• 1.2 US History Paper Topics on the Civil War
• 1.3 American History Topics for Research Paper on Industrialization
• 1.4 American History Research Topics on Reconstruction
• 1.5 20th-Century American History Paper Topics
• 1.6 US History Term Paper Topics in World War I and II
• 1.7 American History Paper Topics about the Civil Rights Movement
• 1.8 Native American History Thesis Topics
• 2 Which Topics to Choose for History Research?
• 3 Conclusion: Reflections on America’s Past

Exploring the rich and complex narrative of the United States, this article is designed as a resource for students and researchers embarking on assignments that require a deep dive into American history. Perfect for term papers, thesis projects, and detailed historical analyses, the guide presents a curated selection of interesting US history research paper topics.

• We provide a comprehensive guide for students, researchers, and history enthusiasts seeking engaging and insightful topics for their research papers on American history.
• These topics cover critical eras and events shaping America, from the early days before 1877 to the transformative 20th century.

With these good US history research topics in mind, let’s go over each one in-depth, creating a foundation for smart research and analysis.

List of 160 American History Research Paper Topics

History is a rich and complex subject, ripe for exploration in academic research. Whether you’re a student seeking a topic for an assignment or a history enthusiast looking to delve deeper into America’s past, this list offers a diverse range of subjects. From early colonial times to the modern era, each topic provides a unique lens through which to examine the nation’s history.

Interesting US History Topics for Research Paper Before 1877

• The impact of European colonization on Native American societies.
• The Salem Witch Trials: Causes and effects.
• The role of the Seven Years’ War in shaping early American society.
• The Declaration of Independence: Context and legacy.
• The Articles of Confederation: Strengths and weaknesses.
• The Constitutional Convention of 1787: Key debates and outcomes.
• The Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist debate: Impact on the US Constitution.
• The Louisiana Purchase: Motivations and consequences.
• The War of 1812: Causes, course, and outcomes.
• Manifest Destiny: Ideology and impact on westward expansion.
• The Trail of Tears and Native American Removal Policies.
• The role of slavery in antebellum America.
• The Mexican-American War: Origins and effects.
• The Gold Rush of 1849 and its impact on American expansion.
• The Compromise of 1850 and its role in the lead-up to the Civil War.
• The Dred Scott Decision: Implications and controversy.
• The Underground Railroad: Key figures and operations.
• The election of 1860 and its role in the secession crisis.
• The role of women in antebellum America.
• Early American foreign policy: Principles and practices.

US History Paper Topics on the Civil War

• The causes of the American Civil War: A comprehensive analysis.
• Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and its impact on the Civil War.
• The role of slavery in sparking the Civil War.
• Military strategies of the Union and the Confederacy.
• The Emancipation Proclamation: Intentions and effects.
• Key battles of the Civil War: Gettysburg, Antietam, and others.
• The role of technology in the Civil War.
• The impact of the Civil War on civilian life in the North and South.
• The role of African American soldiers in the Civil War.
• The diplomatic dimensions of the Civil War.
• Reconstruction plans: Lincoln vs. Johnson.
• The assassination of Abraham Lincoln: Impact on post-war America.
• The economic consequences of the Civil War for the South.
• The role of women during the Civil War.
• The Draft Riots of 1863: Causes and impact.
• The impact of the Civil War on American literature and art.
• The role of nurses and medical practices during the Civil War.
• The use of propaganda in the Civil War.
• The transition from slavery to freedom during and after the Civil War.
• The legacy of the Civil War in American memory.

American History Topics for Research Paper on Industrialization

• The Second Industrial Revolution: Key innovations and their impact.
• The rise of American industrial tycoons: Carnegie, Rockefeller, and others.
• The impact of the railroad expansion on American society and economy.
• Urbanization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Labor movements and strikes of the late 19th century.
• The rise of monopolies and antitrust laws in the United States.
• The impact of immigration on American industrial growth.
• The role of women and children in industrial labor.
• Technological advancements and their societal impact during industrialization.
• The emergence of consumer culture in the late 19th century.
• The environmental impact of industrialization.
• Social Darwinism and its influence on American society.
• The rise of organized labor and the American Federation of Labor.
• The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and its aftermath.
• The Homestead Strike: Causes and consequences.
• The impact of the Industrial Revolution on American agriculture.
• The role of education during the Industrial Revolution.
• Transportation innovations and their impact on American life.
• The evolution of American business practices during industrialization.
• The Gilded Age: Wealth, poverty, and social disparity.

American History Research Topics on Reconstruction

• The Reconstruction Amendments: Impact and limitations.
• Presidential vs. Congressional Reconstruction: A comparative analysis.
• The role of the Freedmen’s Bureau in post-Civil War America.
• Sharecropping and tenant farming: Continuation of slavery by another name?
• The rise and impact of the Ku Klux Klan during Reconstruction.
• The Compromise of 1877 and the end of Reconstruction.
• The Black Codes: Purpose and effects.
• The impeachment of President Andrew Johnson: Causes and consequences.
• The role of African Americans in politics during Reconstruction.
• Economic challenges of the South during Reconstruction.
• The establishment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
• The legacy of Reconstruction in the South.
• The Jim Crow laws: Origins and impact.
• The role of women during Reconstruction.
• The Slaughterhouse Cases and their impact on civil rights.
• The Enforcement Acts and their effectiveness in protecting African American rights.
• The impact of Reconstruction on Northern society and politics.
• Education reform in the South during Reconstruction.
• The role of the U.S. military in enforcing Reconstruction policies.
• The long-term effects of Reconstruction on American race relations.

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20th-Century American History Paper Topics

• The Progressive Era: Reforms and key figures.
• The impact of World War I on American society and politics.
• The Roaring Twenties: Culture, economics, and politics.
• The Great Depression: Causes and the New Deal response.
• The impact of World War II on the American home front.
• The Cold War: Key events and American foreign policy.
• The Civil Rights Movement: Key figures and legislative milestones.
• The Vietnam War: Causes, course, and impact on American society.
• The Women’s Rights Movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
• The Watergate Scandal and its impact on American politics.
• The Space Race: Technological advancements and Cold War implications.
• The rise of environmentalism in the 20th century.
• The impact of the automobile on 20th-century American life.
• The rise of the American suburbs in the post-World War II era.
• The counterculture of the 1960s and its impact on American society.
• The Reagan Era: Policies and impact on the United States.
• The War on Drugs: Origins, strategies, and consequences.
• The impact of technological advancements on late 20th-century life.
• The rise of the internet and its impact on society and culture.
• The 9/11 attacks and their aftermath on American foreign policy.

US History Term Paper Topics in World War I and II

• The causes and consequences of American entry into World War I.
• The impact of the Treaty of Versailles on post-war America.
• American isolationism between World War I and World War II.
• The Lend-Lease Act and American support for the Allies before entering World War II.
• The attack on Pearl Harbor: Causes and immediate effects.
• The home front during World War II: Women, minorities, and the war effort.
• The role of propaganda in American support for World War II.
• The development and use of the atomic bomb.
• The impact of World War II on American foreign policy.
• The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
• The role of African Americans in World War II.
• The D-Day invasion: Planning, execution, and significance.
• The Battle of Midway: Turning point in the Pacific War.
• American military strategy in the European and Pacific theaters.
• The Holocaust and American responses to it.
• The post-war world order and the establishment of the United Nations.
• The GI Bill and its impact on post-war American society.
• The Nuremberg Trials: Legal and moral implications.
• The Marshall Plan and American post-war economic policy.
• The start of the Cold War: Origins and early confrontations.

American History Paper Topics about the Civil Rights Movement

• The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Causes and outcomes.
• The role of Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement.
• The Little Rock Nine and school desegregation.
• The Freedom Rides: Objectives and impact.
• The Civil Rights Act of 1964: Development and effects.
• The Voting Rights Act of 1965: Importance and consequences.
• The role of women in the Civil Rights Movement.
• The Black Power Movement: Ideals and key figures.
• The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on other minority groups.
• The assassination of Malcolm X: Context and aftermath.
• The Selma to Montgomery marches: Significance and outcomes.
• The role of the NAACP in the Civil Rights Movement.
• The Birmingham Campaign and the use of nonviolent protest.
• The role of the media in shaping public perception of the Civil Rights Movement.
• The Civil Rights Movement in the North: Challenges and Achievements.
• The Economic Bill of Rights proposed by the Poor People’s Campaign.
• The role of music in the Civil Rights Movement.
• The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on American law and society.
• The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC): Contributions and challenges.
• The legacy of the Civil Rights Movement in contemporary America.

Native American History Thesis Topics

• The impact of European colonization on Native American cultures.
• The Trail of Tears: Causes, course, and consequences.
• Native American resistance movements: King Philip’s War, Pontiac’s Rebellion, and others.
• The impact of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
• Native American life on reservations in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• The role of Native Americans in American wars.
• The Ghost Dance Movement and the Wounded Knee Massacre.
• Native American boarding schools: Policies and impact on culture.
• The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 and its implications.
• The American Indian Movement (AIM): Goals and major actions.
• The impact of the Dawes Act on tribal land and culture.
• The role of Native American women in their societies.
• Contemporary Native American issues: Sovereignty, land rights, and cultural preservation.
• The Native American Renaissance: A cultural and literary overview.
• The impact of environmental changes on Native American communities.
• The repatriation of Native American artifacts and remains.
• The role of treaties in Native American history.
• Native American spiritual beliefs and practices.
• The impact of the fur trade on Native American societies.
• Contemporary Native American political activism.

Which Topics to Choose for History Research?

Given the breadth and diversity of US history topics, choosing one to write about can be difficult. To reduce your options, think about your interests and the extent of your investigation. Look for themes that provide a balance of available materials and new perspectives to explore.

When choosing a topic, consider its significance in the larger context of American history. Consider how the topic has influenced or reflected societal, political, or economic trends. For example, topics such as the Civil Rights Movement and World War II provide insights into moments of revolutionary change and struggle.

Also, examine the availability of primary and secondary sources. A well-documented topic provides for a more thorough study and a stronger argument. Always ensure that your chosen topic adheres to the criteria and objectives of your assignment or research aim.

Conclusion: Reflections on America’s Past

In this journey through American history, we have explored various topics that offer a window into the nation’s complex and multifaceted past. From the struggles and triumphs of early American society to the transformative events of the 20th century, these topics provide a foundation for understanding how the United States has evolved. Engaging with these topics enriches our historical knowledge and deepens our understanding of the present. As students, scholars, or simply curious minds, delving into these aspects of America’s past can provide valuable insights and perspectives on the nation’s journey and its ongoing story.

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Arca: IxDA 2024 Interaction Awards Finalist

As part of a multi-year design research project, Arca is a design prototype for a more inclusive, transparent, and privacy-enhancing smart home camera by  IxD Professor James Pierce and a team of student design researchers at Material Interactions Lab. On April 15, Arca was announced as one of the  26 projects that make up the 2024 Interaction Awards Finalists. 

The IxDA's Interaction Awards are considered one of the top interaction design competitions. They honor design craft, leadership, and innovation–recognizing excellence in Interaction Design across domains, channels, environments, and cultures. The finalists and winners in each of the six categories are selected by an  international jury.  Arca was submitted to the "Connecting" category and is listed next to non-student finalist, Google,  for their work on dual display translation .

Project Team

• Principal Investigator, Design + Research Lead: James Pierce
• Interaction + Visual Design: Lian Bensaadon, Faith Ong, Burke Smithers, and Hope Terpilowski
• Industrial Design: Ann Lai and Cole Young
• Physical Prototyping: Chongjiu Gao, Wayne Jiang, and Sergio Medina
• Research: Robyn Anderson and Claire Weizenegger

About the Project

Arca: An inclusive, privacy-enhancing smart home camera for you and your extended household

Arca was designed to address the experiences of neighbors, guests, domestic workers and other bystanders who interact with and are impacted by smart cameras. On its face, Arca is a design prototype for a more inclusive, transparent, and privacy-enhancing smart home camera. But Arca is only partially a solution. It is also a research tool for investigating bigger problems.

As part of a multi-year design research project funded by the National Science Foundation, Arca investigates tensions, trust, and tradeoffs with smart devices and surveillance. The more general problem motivating the design of Arca is that devices with cameras, microphones, and other sensors impact the privacy of people nearby. Smart home security cameras like Amazon’s Ring Doorbell and Google’s Nest Cams exemplify this issue. These products are used deliberately and incidentally to surveil family members, roommates, guests, neighbors, domestic workers, and passersby.

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Political typology quiz.

Notice: Beginning April 18th community groups will be temporarily unavailable for extended maintenance. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Where do you fit in the political typology?

Are you a faith and flag conservative progressive left or somewhere in between.

Take our quiz to find out which one of our nine political typology groups is your best match, compared with a nationally representative survey of more than 10,000 U.S. adults by Pew Research Center. You may find some of these questions are difficult to answer. That’s OK. In those cases, pick the answer that comes closest to your view, even if it isn’t exactly right.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

Office of the Vice President for Research

Martín-estudillo named new director of obermann center for advanced studies.

Luis Martín-Estudillo , professor and collegiate scholar in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will serve as the next director of the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies (OCAS). His appointment will begin July 1. 

“We are very excited that Professor Martín-Estudillo has agreed to lead the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies into its next chapter,” said Kristy Nabhan-Warren, associate vice president for research. “He brings a wealth of international connections, fresh ideas, and a proven track record of collaboration across units and disciplines here at Iowa and beyond. The search committee was deeply impressed with his vision for the center, and the campus feedback we solicited confirmed and amplified our excitement for new possibilities for OCAS.”

For more than four decades, the  OCAS has served as an interdisciplinary hub for artists, scholars, and researchers who bridge campus with the larger world. 

Situated on Church Street on the north end of campus, the center provides offices for six fellows-in-residence each semester, as well as funding for a major annual humanities conference, small group collaborations, and faculty book completion workshops, along with many other programs. The center is also a nexus for university-community activities, including lectures, workshops, and performances.

“I’m tremendously excited to lead a productive, inspiring center—one that is open to our whole community of researchers, scholars and artists at every stage of their studies and careers and attracts the presence of enriching national and international guests. I envision a global, interdisciplinary research center with a humanistic ethos,” said Martín-Estudillo.

Martín-Estudillo specializes in modern and contemporary Spanish cultural and intellectual history and criticism. He has also published broadly on early modern topics and visual culture. His scholarship has appeared in journals such as  Goya, Hispanic Review, Journal of Spanish Cultural Studies, Ínsula, Bulletin of Hispanic Studies, Pasajes: Revista de Pensamiento Contemporáneo  and  Romance Quarterly . He is the Executive Editor of the Hispanic Issues  book series and of the journal Hispanic Issues Online .

A recipient of three awards from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Martín-Estudillo has also won several awards from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, including the Collegiate Teaching Award, the Dean's Scholar Award, the Collegiate Scholar Award. 

His recently authored and edited books include:  Filosofía y tiempo final  (2011),  The Rise of Euroskepticism: Europe and Its Critics in Spanish Culture  (2018)  Despertarse de Europa. Arte, literatura, euroescepticismo  (2019) and  Goya and the Mystery of Reading , for which he won the  2023 Goldberg Prize .

Martín-Estudillo will replace Teresa Mangum, professor in the Departments of Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies and English, who is retiring after serving as the OCAS director since 2010. 

The OCAS is a unit of the Office of the Vice President for Research.