1. HUM 2510 Critical Analysis Essay Workshop
Presented by the FGCU Writing Center

2. Objectives Dates & Information Attending artistic events
Structuring your essay
Visual Arts Specifics
Performing Arts Specifics

3. Spring 2012 due dates
March 16: Critical Analysis Essay 1 due before 3 p.m. (visual arts)
April 11: Critical Analysis Essay 2 due before 3 p.m. (performing arts)

4. attending Events Must attend during the current term
Must provide proof of attendance if out of the immediate area
Check the MODULES tab for a link to events in the area
Do make sure to read the appropriate chapters prior to attending
Collect any handout information or playbill that might be available
Do take notes at the event if it will not disturb the audience
Do start early, so that timing doesn’t become an issue

5. Analysis Analyze means to separate into elements or parts
Examine critically
Before you can analyze a piece of art or a performance, you must understand the elements or parts that compose it.
READ the appropriate sections in the book PRIOR to viewing the work or seeing the performance.

6. Titling Your Essay
Be sure to follow the directions on the course syllabus for naming your document
The essay title must include the title of the work you are analyzing and give a link to your thesis

8. Introduction
Must include pertinent information about the work being analyzed
When did you see it
Where did you see it
Provide some context for the work being analyzed
Background information on the artist
Background on the piece being analyzed
The THESIS must appear at the end of the introduction

9. Thesis Statement Underline or bold your thesis statement
The artist’s name, the title of the artwork, and the main point of your essay must be in the thesis statement
The work’s title should be in ITALICS
Choose 2-3 KEY elements to analyze
Why are these particular elements significant?

10. Body of the essay
In 3-5 paragraphs, analyze in detail the key elements you mentioned in the thesis.
Explain why each of the elements is significant to this particular piece of work.
Use terminology from the textbook where appropriate.
Use appropriate essay writing conventions: topic sentences & transitions.

11. Conclusion
Summarize your analysis
Wrap up your findings

12. Visual Arts Chapters 1 -3 provide the foundation for visual arts
Section 2 (Chapters 9-13) provide contextual information of stylistic periods
Think about:
Reaction
Subject
Media/technique
Elements and principles
Context
Content/message
Judgment

13. Reaction
What feelings, memories, or associations does this work evoke?
Does it create a sense of happiness, sadness, anger, fear, uplift, inspiration, etc.?
Does the art evoke empathy?
Does the meaning or message of the art apply to your life or the world in which you live?
Do you feel this art is important?
Give specific examples supporting your opinion.

14. Subject
What does the art depict or represent (person, place, thing, event)?
Is the work representational or abstract?
Is the subject represented symbolically or metaphorically?
Give specific examples of the findings

15. Media/Technique What medium was used to execute the art?
How does the choice of medium enhance the message of the artist?
How does the artist’s technique impact the message of the art?

16. Elements and Principles
How are line, form, color, value, mass, or texture used to convey meaning?
How are repetition, balance, composition, and perspective used to convey meaning?
How is unity achieved in the art?
Is there a bold or subtle use of elements/principles in communicating the message?
Give specific examples supporting the findings

17. Context How does this work fit into the history of the art form?
When and where was it created or first presented?
How does the work reflect historical events or aspects of a particular time period or culture?
Who was the creator?
Does the art reflect any particular aspect of the artist’s life?
Give specific examples

18. Content/Message
What does the art communicate or say about the subject?
Is there a positive, negative, or neutral message?
How does the message of the art reflect the values and beliefs of the time period in which it was created?
Give examples

19. Judgment
Was the artist successful in communicating the message using the elements and principles of art?
Describe the ways in which you think the art was “successful.”
Describe the ways in which you think the art may be weak.

20. Sample thesis
In the painting, Holy Family with St. John, Giovanni Battista Vanni uses diagonal lines and contrasting values to create an emotionally engaging depiction of the Holy Family.

21. Performing arts Chapters 4-7 offer performance specific background
Again Section 2 (Chapters 9-12) offer contextual background of specific time periods.
Be sure to collect and use the program given out at most performances.
Contains background information on the artists involved
Biographies
Program notes

22. Reaction
What feelings, memories, images, or associations does this performance evoke?
Does it create a sense of happiness, sadness, anger, fear, inspiration, etc.?
Does the performance evoke sympathy?
Does the meaning or the message of the performance apply to your life or the world in which you live?
Do you feel this performance is important?
Give specific examples supporting your opinions.

23. Subject What is the title of the performance?
Does the title suggest the subject or meaning of the performance?
Does the performance tell a story or represent some person, place, thing, event, or idea?

24. Media/Technique In what genre does this performance belong?
In the performing arts it is possible to have a great work with a poor performance. Did the performer(s) have adequate technique and artistry to present the work?
Was the performance enhanced or hurt by the performers?
Was the presentation amateur, professional, community, or school-based?

25. Elements/Principles
How are elements of performing arts (plot, melody, movement, lighting, sound, etc.) used to convey meaning?
How are principles of art (repetition, balance, composition, dynamics) used to convey meaning?
How is unity achieved?
Is there a bold or subtle use of elements/principles in communicating the message?
How does the artist work with time and/or space?
Give specific examples

26. Context
How does this performance fit into the history of the art form?
When and where was it first presented?
How does this work reflect historical events or aspects of a particular time period or culture?
Does the performance reflect any particular aspect of the artist’s (composer, choreographer, director, playwright’s) life?
Give specific examples

27. Content/Message
What does the performance communicate or say about the subject?
Is there a positive, negative, or neutral message?
How does the message of the performance reflect the values and beliefs of the time period in which it was created?
Give examples

28. Judgment
Was the artist(s) successful in communicating the message using the elements and principles of art?
Describe the ways in which you think the artist was “successful.”
Describe the ways in which you think the art may be weak.

29. Sample thesis
In the ballet excerpt Rubies, choreographed by George Balanchine and performed by Miami City Ballet, the use of sharp movements, staccato music, and severely styled tutus demonstrated the faceted brilliance of a precious jewel.

30. Things to remember
Read & reread the appropriate sections in the book prior to attending the event.
Take notes during the event if possible without disturbing others.
Review the suggested questions and determine which apply to your selected work.
Analyze (break apart the elements) and discuss those elements
Give specific examples