Every student dreads writing a term paper, even if it is for Art History. When selecting a topic for your term paper, strive for a subject that will be easy to find references to support. It is best to have a topic that you are interested in and already know a little about. The more comfortable you are with the topic the stronger your paper will be.
Organization of Term Paper
When choosing a topic, remember that you can cover it in one of two forms, either narrative or analytical. Using the narrative style, you provide a description of the topic based on both facts and opinions. In the paper, you will use both direct quotes and paraphrases. In the analytical style, you set up an argument or a problem; you then present evidence to support the position you have chosen.
Challenge in Choosing a Topic
There is one major difference between an Art History term paper and your average class term paper: in an Art History term paper, you have to be able to translate the visual into the verbal. To do this effectively, you need to familiarize yourself with both terms and concepts necessary to describe art. You must not only describe what you see in the art, but also make sure your description delivers the argument or point of view of your term paper effectively.
Renaissance Topic Ideas
For the Renaissance period, you could choose to discuss and explain changes in Michelangelo's style of art by comparing and contrasting two or more of his early works and later works. Then discuss for factors contributed to the changes you are identifying.
Evaluate the career of Leonardo da Vinci and his contributions to the history of art; make sure you use specific examples to support your point of view.
Far East Topic Ideas
For a term paper on Far Eastern art, you could, for example, trace the development of Buddhist architecture, painting and sculpture in India from the very beginning all the way through the late seventh century A.D.
Compare and contrast visual arts of Japan, China and India. Explain how the visual arts in these countries are both similar and different. Be sure to refer to works from each society to support your point of view.
Middle Age, Gothic, Romanesque and Barbarian Topic Ideas
Explain and discuss the importance of illuminated manuscripts in the art of the Holy Roman Empire. Compare and contrast the different manuscript paintings using specific examples.
Analyze at least three buildings to describe the development of Romanesque architecture.
Analyze characteristic forms, styles and subject matter of barbarian art in an area of Europe, illustrating main points with specific works. Go on to discuss influence of barbarian art on Christian art within Europe.
