I. Class presentation
Research and analyze an assigned source from the syllabus. Your class presentation is an opportunity for you to practice your communication skills. It should also demonstrate your ability to design an argument based on your close analysis of the text assigned for the day’s discussion. Present your breakdown orally using the prompts below (8-10 minutes). You are encouraged to use slides, images, sound, or text to help visualize and engage the class.
.What are the central ideas of this writer, poet, thinker, filmmaker, or artist?
.Analyze one specific section by your chosen author or creator that best communicates what you identified in the question above.
.Discuss how the text or piece’s structure enhances the author’s or creator’s conceptual goals.
.How does your analysis of this piece relate to or is informed by our course texts?
After the presentation, you will respond to a short Q&A with the professor and classmates.
As extra credit, bring a song by a Puerto Rican artist in the archipelago or its diasporas to add to our collective Puerto Rican playlist. Briefly explain your selection.
II. Blackout poetry assignment
Read the instructions in this link.
III. Final project proposal
Overview: Inspired by the sources and topics explored during the semester, you will create and document an art installation with photos or videos. Installation art is a form of contemporary art where the artist creates a three-dimensional environment or space. Unlike traditional art forms like painting or sculpture, installation art is often site-specific, meaning it is made to exist in a particular location and interact with those who inhabit that space. It can incorporate various materials and mediums, including objects, sound, light, and digital elements.
Objective: Before creating the art installation, you will develop a short proposal outlining your concept, goals, and thematic connections to the Puerto Rican Culture course. This proposal will help guide the development of your final project and ensure a clear understanding of the creative process.
Instructions:
- Proposal Structure: Your proposal should be 1-2 pages long and include the following sections:
Title:
.Provide a title for your proposed art installation.
Concept Description:
.Describe the central idea of your installation. What is the concept behind your work? Where is it going to be located? Why?
.Explain the materials, mediums, or methods you plan to use.
Thematic Connections:
.Identify the specific themes, concepts, or sources from the course your installation will explore.
.Explain how your installation will engage with these themes. What cultural, historical, or social issues will it address?
Objectives:
.State the goals of your installation. What do you want the audience to understand, feel, or think while and after experiencing your work?
.Discuss any symbolism or symbolic elements that will be included in your installation.
Preliminary Sketch/Outline:
.Include a rough sketch or outline of your installation. This can be a simple drawing or a detailed installation setup description.
.Indicate the layout, space use, and other important visual or structural details.
This proposal is a crucial step in the development of your art installation. It will help you clarify your ideas and plan your project effectively while allowing for feedback and refinement before the final creation.
IV. Exam
The in-person exam will consist of five critical and comparative questions about the class sources. They will allow you to practice your analytical skills.
V. Final project preview
Instructions:
.Prepare a brief presentation (5-7 minutes) where you showcase your work-in-progress installation to the class.
.Explain your concept, the significance of your chosen theme(s), and how your installation reflects your understanding of Puerto Rican culture.
VI. Final project: art installation project inspired by Puerto Rican culture
Objective: You will create an art installation reflecting your understanding and interpretation of one or more themes or sources discussed during the semester. The installation should creatively engage with the cultural, historical, or social issues explored in the course. The project will culminate in a short reflective essay where you will analyze your creative process and the cultural significance of your work.
Instructions:
- Creation of the Installation:
.After developing a proposal and receiving my feedback, create your art installation using any medium or combination of media (e.g., visual arts, digital media, sculpture, performance, etc.).
.Your installation should offer a unique perspective on the theme(s) and sources you’ve selected.
- Documentation
.Document your installation sufficiently with photos or videos.
- Reflective Essay:
.Write a 3-page essay reflecting on your creative process.
.Discuss why you chose the specific theme(s) and how your installation engages with them.
.Reflect on the challenges you faced during the creation process and how you overcame them.
.Consider your installation’s cultural, historical, or social significance and relevance to the class themes.
.Additionally, include your documentation.