Mathematics and Art

Extended Definition Essay Assignment: Art

For this assignment you will create an extended definition, which is substantially more than a regular

dictionary definition. We categorize everyday, for everything, and in this essay you will explore how these categories could be added to.Or you could prove them inaccurate. Definitions change over time and within given contexts. We live in a dynamic world, so our definitions must also be dynamic rather than static.

• An argument based on an extended definition will generally follow this formula:

“X is (or is not) Y,” where Y is the controversial term with a disputable definition.

Your argument will have a criteria section in which you argue that X does/ does not meet the criteria for art, or a work of art. For example, if I want to argue that math is art, I need to come up with a definition for art based on a set of criteria.

Then, through much description and elaboration, I will explain why math fits or exceeds all of my criteria

for art, thus proving that math is art.

Potential topics may be (but are not limited to):

• Math, hip-hop, rap, a controversial piece of visual “art,” food, web design, graffiti, tattooing, body

piercing, plastic surgery, video games, mass-produced artwork [as in posters or artwork, band

posters, room décor that you might buy from Target or Pier 1] … If you come up with other topics

outside of these I have listed, please bring them up in class or talk to me about them.

Note: If you are going to argue that your topic is NOT art, you must say what category you think it might

better fit. Example: one might argue that Mel Gibson’s Passion is not art because it is much more strongly

religious propaganda. To that end, one might argue that the members of the band Rage Against the Machine are not musical artists, but political and social activists. Therefore their “art” may be thought of more as political propaganda.

Requirements:

• 3-5 pages typed

• 12-point font, (Times New Roman)

• MLA format

• For this essay, you must have a final draft with at least four sources – please find articles and

books through the Library database, (dictionaries, encyclopedias, and Wikipedia are NOT to be

used as sources).