Touchstone 4: Art and Architecture: Uniting Culture, Innovation, and Religious Ideals

Touchstone 4: Art and Architecture: Uniting Culture, Innovation, and Religious Ideals

ASSIGNMENT: In this assignment, you will explore how art and architecture intersect with culture, innovation, and religious expression. Drawing from the course material, you will write a 4-5 page (1,000-1,200 word) paper that includes two main parts:

1. Innovations in Art and Architecture: Analyze how two examples of art or architecture built upon past innovations to create something new.
2. Art, Architecture, and Religious Expression: Discuss how two specific works of art or architecture reflect the ideals and values of their respective religious cultures.

By doing so, you will demonstrate an understanding of the dynamic relationship between artistic and architectural advancements and their cultural and religious contexts, showcasing how these elements influence and inspire each other across different periods and societies.
In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any plagiarized or recycled work will result in a Plagiarism Detected alert. Review Touchstones: Academic Integrity Guidelines for more about plagiarism and the Plagiarism Detected alert. For guidance on the use of generative AI technology, review Ethical Standards and Appropriate Use of AI.

A. Directions

Step 1: Introduction (100-200 words)

Begin your paper with an introduction that provides an overview of the assignment. Clearly state the purpose and the key points the paper will make. Remember to introduce both parts of the assignment (Innovations in Art and Architecture and Art, Architecture, and Religious Expression) in the introduction.

Step 2: Innovations in Art and Architecture (300-500 words)

This course considers several examples of innovations in both art and architecture, including the evolution of form in Greek sculpture, images of Christ, dome architecture, architecture as a place where people attempt to be closer to the gods and/or to the heavens (architecture as a holy mountain).

For this section of your paper, you will select two examples of artistic or architectural works covered in the course and discuss how these works built on past innovations to create something entirely new.

Follow this structure:

1. Choose a Subject: Select either two structural innovations OR two technological innovations in either art or architecture that have significantly impacted its respective field. This could be a particular style, technique, or design concept.
2. Historical Context: For each innovation, describe the historical context in which it emerged. Highlight the key developments and influences that led to its creation.
3. Analysis of Innovation: Analyze how each innovation built upon past techniques or styles. Discuss the elements that distinguished it from previous approaches.
4. Comparative Analysis: Compare the selected works, highlighting similarities and differences in their expressions of innovation.Step 3: Art, Architecture, and Religious Expression (300-500 words) You have learned how art and architecture express the values of various religions. Some of the cultures and religions discussed in this course include:
   • Mesopotamia
   • Egypt
   • Hinduism
   • Jainism
   • Buddhism
   • Islam
   • Christianity
   • Mesoamerican culture

   For this section of the paper, you will choose two specific religious works of art or architecture covered in the course and analyze how they embody the values and ideals of their respective cultures. Follow this structure:

   1. Select Works: Choose two specific religious works of art or architecture.
   2. Religious Values and Ideals: Analyze how each work embodies the ideals and values of its respective culture and religion. Consider the symbolism, motifs, and architectural elements that convey religious meaning.
   3. Cultural Context: Provide background information on the culture and religious beliefs associated with each selected work. Explain how these cultural contexts influenced the creation and design of the artwork or architecture.
   4. Comparative Analysis: Compare the selected works, highlighting similarities and differences in their expressions of religious values.Step 4: Conclusion (100-200 words) Summarize your key findings. Reiterate the significance of the relationship of art and architecture with culture, innovation, and religious expression.