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English 2: The Making of Creative Worlds: Forming a Topic

Why a guide?

This guide will help you complete your assignment for Ted Weesner's English 2: "The Making of Creative Worlds." It explains and supplements several steps in your research process.

Forming a Topic: Looking, Reading, Thinking

The first step of any research essay is to think about what interests you.

For this assignment, you will be exploring the concept of appropriation. What does that word mean to you? What are some examples of appropriation in art?

Once you've thought about this for a bit, start to gather background information. Take note of artists, concepts, and works that you might want to explore further. You can try any or all of the following:

  • Read the Wikipedia page on Appropriation (Art), keeping in mind the limitations of Wikipedia as an information resource.
  • Search Oxford Art (linked below) for "appropriation" and read the entries on Appropriation and Appropriation art. 
  • Take a look at books in the SMFA Library collection about appropriation, collage, assemblage, and other related topics.

Asking Research Questions

Once you've generated some ideas about what you might want to explore, the next step is to ask questions. What do you want to know more about? These questions will form the basis of your research.

For example, let's say you're intrigued by Richard Prince's career, specifically his appropriation of photographer Patrick Cariou's work. 

Richard Prince, Inquisition

Think of some questions you want to answer in the course of your research:

  • What was Richard Prince's intent in creating this series? How does it fit with his overall body of work?
  • What was the critical reception of this series?
  • What was Patrick Cariou's reaction?
  • Were there any legal implications?
  • Do I support what Richard Prince did? Would I do the same in my own work? 

Contact a Librarian

Please feel free to get in touch with a librarian at absolutely any stage of your research process.

We encourage you to schedule a research consultation with Ashley Peterson (apeterson@smfa.edu, 617-369-3653)  for an in-depth discussion about your research goals. 

For quicker questions, please feel free to stop by the Library's front desk (located on the third floor of the B side of the Fenway building). You can also email or call the front desk at library@smfa.edu/617-369-3650.

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