Visual Arts as a Way of Knowing

A research paper is an expanded essay or organized report that presents your analysis of a
perspective and interpretation of a topic. When you write a research paper, you build upon
what you know about the subject and make a deliberate attempt to find out what experts
know about the topic. A research paper involves locating and surveying a field of
knowledge about the topic in order to find the best possible information and evidence to
support your position.
Engaging in research is an essential academic skill and process for knowledge building, learning,
and sharing valuable information. The purpose of this research paper is to examine and justify
why the arts are a powerful way of knowing. Based on your experiences within this class, choose
one of the creative arts modalities to focus on and conduct a thorough investigation that will
expand your perspective and support your position on the topic.
Things You May Want to Consider:

1. Think about how you might write an engaging essay that might interest the general public
   and get readers to respond in some way.
2. Consider your personal experiences with the creative arts modality you’re exploring.
3. Reflect on what you and experts propose about the topic and what this could mean for
   others.
   Remember to be prepared to share your research paper with your classmates on peer review
   day.
   A Few Things to Remember:
4. This is a thesis-driven academic essay. So you do need a thesis statement and will need to
   structure your paper, in a clear, engaging, organized, and meaningful way.
5. This paper should be written using a formal tone, from a third-person perspective, and not
   use the first-person “I.”
6. Choose your words wisely and make sure everything you say is descriptive, insightful,
   and not just “filler” language or clichés.
7. This research should include both online (publicly available) sources, as well as
   (peer-reviewed journals and academic publications) sources gathered from the HC
   Perkins Library and affiliates, or the Hastings Public Library.
   Format: (See APA style resources in our course Module for further details on formatting.)
   ◆ 850-1,000 words, double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12pt font
   ◆ Title page (Title, Name, Date, Hastings College, Course Title, Professors Name)
   ◆ Citations within the essay and a Reference page required for all sources used (3-5 total)
   ◆ One inch margins all around

Sample Solution