This assignment helps us identify the ways in which narratives, expository pieces, and
arguments (including literature and literary analyses) are shaped by an author’s social,
historical, moral, psychological, and philosophical assumptions. It also helps students
prepare for the Analysis Essay .
Write a essay with MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited page. Answer the following
question: how does the identity (values, experiences, family, beliefs, etc.) of the
artist you’ve chosen influence the artists’ work?
1. My artist is “Donald Trump”
2. Research the artist, with a focus on the question above.
1. Post a 1000-word essay with MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited page to
the Artist Summary Posting Board space before the Friday that your
posting is due ( see the spreadsheet (Links to an external site.)Links to an
external site. ) .
Analyze ALL of the following to answer the question:
● Relevance of life experiences and circumstances such as date/place of
birth, family information, education or service record, employment, places
lived, etc. ONLY include information that is relevant to the time period and/or
the author’s work/influence and explain why it’s significant to the artist’s work.
● Key Works . List and summarize (or show us) a few key texts/pieces by this
author to illustrate their style and the points that you make about their
relevant biographical information.
● Cultural Context . How does this artist relate to the framework(s), cultural
movements, historical events, and other artists/authors we’ve been studying?
● Influences and influence. What other authors, ideas, and artists influence
their style? What is their influence on other artists or the movement? Why is
this author/artist important?
● Your response . Explain how your experiences, values, and belief affect the
way you respond to this artist and their work. (e.g. don’t just say “I don’t like
his/her work” - tell us why, citing your experiences, values, and beliefs.)
For an example of a submission with feedback, click here .
For the rubric, click here .
Grading Criteria
Criterion EvidenceContent · relevant biographical information
· key works
· cultural context
· influences and influence
· your response (based on identity)
Scholarship · all claims and facts supported with evidence, examples, and
references
· MLA in-text citations and Works Cited page
Composition · clear focus on thesis
· transitions and explanation of relationships between ideas
· paragraphs that focus on one idea, offer evidence, and relate to
the thesis
· correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Presentation · MLA headers and document format used