Mythology in Art & Literature Professor Will Adams · Wadams5@valenciacollege.edu · hum2310.blogspot.com

Osceola Campus – Building 1, Room 104 · Mondays & Wednesdays, 12:45– 2:20 PM

Research Project Assignment

For your research project this term, you will choose an artwork that is based on a legend or

myth from Classical mythology. After receiving your artwork, you will be required to create a

minimum four-page research-based essay.

Structure & Contents

1. First Page

a. Introduction of Essay: Discuss the essential nature of art, myth, or story for human

beings. What is the most important function that they serve? How have those

functions changed over time? How have they stayed the same?

b. Introduction of Artwork: Based on the previous paragraph, how does your artwork

fit into the framework of human history? Who created it? When? Where? From what

materials? Discuss historical context, artist biography, and technical innovations in

this section. (This section may continue on to your second page as necessary).

2. First Page – Second Page

a. What is the story, myth, or legend being depicted in the artwork? Do not simply

limit yourself to the scene being shown in the work – be sure to give background

and context concerning both the characters involved in the scene and the setting in

which the scene takes place.

b. Also discuss the society that created the myth upon which the artwork is based, and

how the story, myth, or legend being shown may or may not be representative of

that society’s ideals, principles, or beliefs.

3. Second Page – Third Page

a. Identify and discuss in detail the various symbols that artist includes within the

artwork that allow the viewer to obtain a greater understanding of the scene

depicted, or its societal importance; they may take the form of animals, colors,

fruits or vegetables, characters, plants, objects, geographical features, or even

people.

b. Be sure to consult texts discussing artistic symbolism when delving into this portion

of your discussion.

4. Fourth Page

a. Identify and illustrate contemporary examples of the artwork’s theme as evidenced

in today’s popular media.

b. Explain how the themes and concerns of the Classical world are not terribly

different than those of modern society. You may choose to illustrate this point

using examples from cinema, music, television, or electronic games.

c. Conclusion: Discuss why the information, themes, and symbolism discussed within

your paper are important. Do not introduce any new subjects for discussion and do

not simply summarize your essay for the reader. Instead, let your reader know what

he or she should have learned or understood from having read your work.

5. Works Cited Page (Unnumbered)

Formatting Specifications

1. Your essay should be a minimum of four full body pages, in addition to Works Cited pages

2. Its text should be double-spaced, and set in size 12 Arial font

3. The pages should have standard 1 inch margins on all four sides

4. MLA Citation Style must be used to document your sources through:

a. In-text parenthetical citations

b. A fully-realized MLA-formatted Works Cited page at the end of your essay, including all

works cited in-text

5. You must use a minimum of 5 different sources

6. The only sources you may use are books or periodicals from the library, or articles from our

databases

7. The five page minimum does not include either your cover page or Works Cited page

8. Your finished, typed, stapled essay will be due at the beginning of class on Wednesday,

July 15th.