Survey of Decorative Arts I - Fall 2007
				Paper Assignments
Students will complete two object reports, each an approximately six- to eight-page description and examination of a European decorative art object that is currently on display at a local museum or gallery.  The first paper is to focus on an object dating from the 15th- or 16th-century (due October 2).  The second paper should address a 17th- or 18th-century object from the collection of Hillwood Museum (due November 27).  As a general guideline, students should approach each paper as if he or she were writing a catalog entry on the object for a museum publication.
After choosing an object at a museum, students should observe it carefully, making a drawing of it, before writing a detailed description of it.  In your notes, make sure to include the object's name, maker, country of origin, dimensions and materials, as well as the name of the museum and accession number.  Please include this label information at the beginning of your paper.
In the body of your paper you should describe the object, making sure to note any pertinent decorative motifs.  Next, place the object in historical context with consideration given to such factors as style, function, design, and manufacturing technique.  (Questions to ask yourself:  What is it?  What style is it and what specific elements indicate that?  What influences can be discerned in the design and decoration?  How was it made?  How was it used?  What was its original context?)  Finally, consider why the curator put the object on display.
General guidelines and advice:
-  Local museums with decorative arts collections include:  Corcoran Gallery of Art; National Gallery of Art; Smithsonian American Art Museum (see the Luce Foundation Center); Hillwood Museum; Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Museum; Walters Art Museum; Baltimore Museum of Art.
- Papers are to be double-spaced with one-inch margins.  Students must use endnotes or footnotes to cite their sources of information.  Additionally, a bibliography and a drawing of the object discussed must be included with the paper.  Please consult the attached style guide for specific information on papers formatted to the Chicago Manual of Style guidelines.
- Students are to consult reputable scholarly sources while conducting their research.  Thus, websites may not be used as sources for information cited in papers.  Databases (JSTOR, etc.) may be used to access journal articles.  Please consult with me if you need help with finding resources for your papers.
Grading:
Assessment will be based on the following factors:  Student demonstrates a good grasp of the available research on the object. Student understands the historical context of the topic. Student's ability to write fluently and develop an argument cogently. Student properly follows all paper guidelines outlined by the instructor (i.e. citation, paper format, etc.).