Assignment: In this class, we have examined cultural artifacts from thousands of years ago that still speak to us in some way, and say something to us about the cultures that produced them.

In a brief essay (approximately 750-1000 words, at least 5 well-developed paragraphs, MLA style), choose a cultural artifact from our contemporary world that you think will last for centuries. What cultural artifact from our world do you think people will study in the distant future? Imagine someone taking a Humanities or Cultural History course in some distant future. What from our time do you think will still be worth studying then? Why did you choose this artifact, and how does it represent today’s culture? Be specific, be detailed, and write well.

By cultural artifact I mean any created work of art, like the things we have studied this semester, or you have studied in other humanities-related classes. This could be literature (poem, novel, any book); music (a song or a particular album, for example); visual art (paintings, drawings, sculpture, electronic visual art); a work of architecture; a film; a television series; or something else that could be described as a cultural artifact. By “contemporary” I mean “created within your lifetime, the recent past, no longer than 50 years ago.”

Do NOT write about smart phones, the internet, etc. For the purposes of this essay these are tools, not works of art.

Guidelines: Here are some things you may want to consider

  • The subject matter.  What does the work portray? What is the purpose of portraying this?
  • Describe it in terms of form. If its visual, talk about composition (arrangement of elements, light, color, form), and any other significant aspect of its visual appearance. If its music, discuss genre, instruments, etc. If its film, something about how the story is told, both in its narrative and visual aspects
  • What about the work makes it representative of our times? This is important. Remember, youre using it as an example of our cultural for a hypothetical future Humanities course.
  • Why does the work appeal to you? How did you come to know it? What does it mean to you?

Be original, be thorough, be specific, and most of all, think for yourself.  Apply your own analytical and critical skills to the exercise.  If you need to do some research, and you probably will, make sure you identify your sources and include a bibliography.  To use any unidentified information is plagiarism and will be handled as such.  To balance your understanding, you should consult a variety of sources: textbook, encyclopedias, books, articles, and online information.  You may consult online sources but BE WARNED: you must apply your critical thinking to ensure that the source is reliable.

I do not want a cover page.  Your essay should simply put your name, my name, class and section, and date in the upper left-hand corner, and then center your title. If you are unfamiliar with MLA style, the Library/Learning Commons on any FSCJ campus is an excellent resource.