Throughout the course we have discussed the purpose of art. We talked about its role in cultural criticism, its function as didactic story telling, as story telling for catharsis and healing, as self expression, and as cultural expression. Explore one theme we have discussed this semester and examine it through different media: music, literature, and visual art. Use examples from all three media to support your thesis. This can be a painting, poem or short story, and musical performance or composition. This paper sh

Throughout the course we have discussed the purpose of art.  We talked about its role in cultural criticism, its function as didactic story telling, as story telling for catharsis and healing, as self expression, and as cultural expression. Explore one theme we have discussed this semester and examine it through different media: music, literature, and visual art. Use examples from all three media to support your thesis. This can be a painting, poem or short story, and musical performance or composition.  This paper should be in MLA style and 3-4 pages in length. Please choose from the topics below:

1. Self-expression can be argued to be essential to human existence. Craft your definition of self-expression and explain why it is important. Discuss how literature, music, and visual art are media that essential for self-expression.
2. Story telling in order to keep a record, to pass on ideas and lessons, to clarify personal and collective events, has been essential throughout human history. Discuss story telling in visual art, literature, and music. How does story telling serve us?
3. Cultural critique is a function of art, which has historically been essential to understanding topics in psychology, political science, and social movements. Texts such “The Yellow Wallpaper,” “A Modest Proposal,” and the novels 1984 and Uncle Tom’s Cabin, for example, have changed history. Discuss how the topics we have covered throughout the course in visual art, literature, and music have contributed to cultural critique.
4. As human beings we have a need for connection. This can happen and often does happen through the use of language, although in visual art and music we have discussed that language is not always necessary for communication or connection. Craft a definition of connection in your own words and explain how visual art, literature, and music allow us to connect. Also, explain why connection is important.