Independent+Project+Analysis

This assignment will ask students to critique a piece of art such as a dance performance, a film, a painting, a piece of music, etc. The purpose of this assignment is to expose students to a variety of high quality pieces of art. Students may choose to search for professional sources, community artists or even senior students who have studied art in depth. Hopefully each student will be able to find one piece that truly interests and inspires them.
 * Independent Analysis: Arts Education 9 **

Choose a worksheet specific to the piece you are critiquing. Answer the questions in paragraphs- i__nstead of answering the questions one by one, write a paragraph using the questions as a guidelines for content.__ Remember, this is an arts education course- creativity in the format of your assignment is encouraged. Please use proper spelling and grammar. Also, use artistic vocabulary in your writing.
 * Assignment Criteria: **

Content- Depth of Analysis…………... /10 Use of artistic Vocabulary……………. /5 Writing Mechanics…………………… /5 Presentation and Creativity……………. /5
 * Evaluation: **

Total………………………………… /25

` New: Drama/ Live Performance Critique 1. The basic information about the play (title/author/theatre/director/date) 2. A short plot summary (just enough to orient, not a full tale) 3. A clear statement of the play's overall strengths and weaknesses (as you see them) in all areas -- Acting: discuss character development, believability, body language and voice dynamics, eye contact, staging Production design: describe it, how is shape and colour used? Are the visually appealing? Costuming: how were costumes utilized? Did it add or distract your attention to the overall performance? 4. A more in-depth discussion of 3 or more of the most important strengths/weaknesses.

Observe a dance (live performance) and answer the following questions: 1. Name of the dance, genre and how you observed it. 2. Research the history of this type of dance. What did you learn? 3. In a paragraph, describe the dance. 4. In another paragraph, explain possible themes of the dance. How do you know? 5. Explain the technical elements of the dance. Include terminology used in class. 7. How did the performance make you feel? What were the strengths/weaknesses of the dance? Give your opinion.
 * DANCE ANALYSIS WORKSHEET: **

1. What is the title of the film? 2. What background information is needed in order to understand the film? Research and explain. 3. When was the film produced? 4. What type of film was it? (animated, documentary, newsreel, theatrical/entertainment, etc.) 5. What is the mood or tone of the film? How does it affect emotions? 6. What were the physical qualities of the film? (narration, music, special effects, lighting, etc.) 7. What is the main message of the film? 8. What does this film tell you about life? 10. Write a question left unanswered by the film.
 * FILM ANALYSIS WORKSHEET: **  Choose a film that you find artistically interesting. Be sure to choose something unique- perhaps a independent film or an award winner (Piranha 3D would not be a good choice).

Step 1. Observation A. Study the photograph for two minutes. Form an overall impression of the photograph and then examine individual items. Next, divide the photo into quadrants and study each section to see what new details become visible. B. Describe any people/animals in the photo. C. Describe any objects in the photo. D. Describe any activities being illustrated in the photo. Step 2. Inference A. What did you learn from this photo? B. What questions does this photo raise in your mind? C. What theme is the photo representing? D. What technical elements does the photo use. Consider vocabulary used in visual art. E. What is your opinion of the photo? Do you like it/dislike it? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
 * PHOTOGRAPH ANALYSIS WORKSHEET: **  Select a photograph. Please make sure the photograph is from a professional or high level student photographer (ex: Photo 30 students)

1. Name the song, artist(s), and producer. 2. What time in history was this song used as an example? 3. In a paragraph, describe the song. 4. In another paragraph, explain the theme of the song. What is it trying to express to the listener? 5. Originally, who performed this song? (if relevant) 6. How well did the performance reflect the meaning and feelings of this song?
 * SONG ANALYSIS WORKSHEET: **  Please choose a song you find artistically interesting. You must listen to the song live. Sometimes a chart topper hit has very little to analyze or discuss.

Step 1: Pre-listening A. What is the title of the recording? B. When was this recording made originally? C. How did you obtain the recording?
 * SOUND RECORDING ANALYSIS WORKSHEET (no lyrics): **  Select any sound recording that you find artistically interesting. This recording can not have lyrics.

Step 2: Listening A. What type of sound recording is it? B. Is there anything unique or unusual about the recording such as background noise, special sound effects, narration, background music, etc.? C. What is the tone or mood of this recording?

Step 3: Post-Listening A. List three things in this sound recording that you think are important. B. Why do you think this recording was made and for what audience? C. List two things this sound recording tells you about life in the country that it was produced. D. Write a question you have about this sound recording.


 * VISUAL ART ANALYSIS WORKSHEET: ** Choose a piece of art or collection of work. Please choose a professional artist or a high level student artist.
 * 1) View the piece of art. Try not to make judgments immediately.
 * 2) Who is the artist? What is the name of the painting?
 * 3) What medium is used? How would you describe the genre?
 * 4) At first, what stands out the most? Why did you notice this?
 * 5) As you keep looking, what else seems important?
 * 6) Is this a low or high contrast piece? Explain how it is used.
 * 7) What leads your eye around the painting? Explain.

Second Glance: 3. Does this piece belong to a collection. How does it compare to the other pieces of art.
 * 1) Imagine the feelings and meaning this artwork represents. Explain.
 * 2) Do you like/dislike this piece or art? What are its strengths and weaknesses?