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Assignment #1: Building Comparison
Write and essay of not fewer than 500 words and not more than 750 words that compares and contrasts two key works from lectures 1-9 according to only one of the following options:
Option A: Two buildings from roughly the same cultural and/or regional context from different time periods that are compared in terms of their historical developments and the ways they illustrate the evolution of architecture.
Option B: Two buildings from roughly the same time period from different cultures that are compared in terms of the traditional aspects that shape the architecture.
Option C: Two buildings from roughly the same time period from different regions that are compared in terms of their regional dimensions (form, material, craft tradition).
A time comparison could include two churches (or two mosques) from a different time period. A cultural comparison could discuss a church and a mosque, while a regional comparison could examine two churches (or two mosques) from different regions. In the case of all three of these options it is important that the comparisons be between the same or similar building typologies. These buildings must be taken from the key works listed in the course pack.
Although the paper presents historical information, it must do more than offer a description of historical facts. It must provide an analysis of the two buildings. The paper must offer a clear thesis or argument about how the similarities and differences between the two buildings that you are discussing reflect their respective temporal (time), cultural or regional context. In selecting the two buildings, you need to be sure that you have the best examples to support your thesis.
Although there are many different kinds of comparisons, it is highly recommended that you write one that comments directly and in detail on a specific aspect of each building. To make your comparison clear, it is suggested that you consider the comparison at different scales—which might be from the urban scale to the building, on down to the detail. It is also important to structure your comparison carefully. For more information on strategies for writing comparative essays, see Sylvan Barnett, A Short Guide to Writing About Art (New York: Longman, 2003), which is on reserve in the CAUP library. You should be especially careful in selecting your images to make sure they reinforce your thesis.
This essay is not a research paper. The source of information and/or images being the course textbooks, the course website, and your lecture notes. You must use at least 6 illustrations and include at least two different kinds of images (maps, plans, diagrams, photographs, etc.). Each image must be carefully formatted with the text, it must include a short descriptive caption and the text must make clear reference to each image. You must also integrate the images with the text rather than place them at the end of the paper. You must clearly cite all sources you have consulted in a properly formatted bibliography at the end of the paper and footnote all direct quotations. If you do not know how to format a bibliography, you should consult the Chicago Manual of Style in the library, or check out the following web site: http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/
Failure to properly cite sources is a serious academic offense.
Grading: Your paper will be graded for the accuracy of information presented and the quality and organization of the writing (40%), the clarity and support of the thesis of the essay (35%), the legibility of the graphic or visual presentation (20%), and the format and content of the bibliography (5%).
Assignment due date – Monday, January 26 – 10:20 a.m.
Note: List your name and student number on the front page of your paper, and cite which of the three options you are selecting. Please print your paper on plain white paper (no photo paper) attached with a staple. Do not submit your paper in a binder, folder or plastic sleeve. You cannot submit your assignment electronically, and late assignments will not be accepted except in cases of verifiable hardship.