Keep it simple - refine what you want to say and focus on a few key issue
Look into your key issues in depth and bring in the maximum evidence in to support your views
Discuss your issues and the evidence you have found in a clear and logical manner
Move from the general to the specific
Evaluation
You need to show the reader that you are evaluating the evidence for its relevance and reliability
Evaluation = Looking at and coming to conclusions about the value of your evidence
Critical Analysis
Identify an aspect of your specialist subject that you would like to explore.
Select a writer or theorist and a particular piece of writing about your specialist subject.
Make notes that Identify the key points in the writing.
What evidence is used to support or 'prove' the key points'.
Is it convincing?
What else needs to be said in order to 'prove' the key points?
Write a response to the piece of writing and comment on:
the implications for your work; do you agree/ disagree with what has been said ? Does it help to
support your views/ argument?
the thoughts you have had as the result of reading this piece; on the evidence used by the writer.
Visual Analysis
The following prompts could be used when analysing a piece of visual work:
Look at and comment upon the significance of the use of...
Line; Colour; Tone; Texture; Form; Composition; etc.
How are these related to the function of, or ‘message’ communicated by, the piece?
How are they related to context; media and materials available; technology; attitudes prevalent at
the time the work was made?
What evidence do you have to support your conclusions?
Practicing academic writing
Different types of paragraph demonstrate that you can analyse, research, paraphrase etc. But the most important type of writing is one that demonstrates that you can support your arguments with a demonstrable knowledge of appropriate academic texts.
Ability to write a paragraph that shows breadth of research and ability to triangulate is therefore very important.
Typically this would be something like this:
A number of authors have considered how (insert your particular idea/concept). Author1, (date), Author2, (date) and Author3 (date) have all commented upon the fact that (now use a specific example). For instance Author1 (specific example) writing in her account of (whatever you pick out) describes how (whatever). This is supported by the fact that Author2 etc
Now comment on and discuss their point.
So how does this look when you put selected text into the brackets and make a comment.
A number of authors have considered how both phenomenology and existentialism have been used to develop aesthetic theory, Smith, (1984), Brown, (1997) and Jones (2004) have all commented upon the fact that aesthetic ideas can be related to embodied thinking and the primacy of perception.
For instance Smith when analysing the work of Richard Serra writing in her account of art practice as a mode of experiencing reality describes how art can make a needed contribution to the study of perceptual consciousness.
This is supported by the fact that Brown in his study of art, light and phenomena also prioritises perception as being at the core of the aesthetic experience and that he believes that a parallel Existentialist reading can be developed from a close reading of Merleau Ponty’s text ‘Cezanne’s Doubt, (1945).
This position is clearly further supported by Jones in her analysis of James Turrell’s ‘Dear Shelter’ where she highlights the importance of individual experience and the ‘authenticity’ of the confrontation with Turrell‘s work.
Comment. These three authors support the development of an argument for a deep relationship between phenomenology and existentialism as aesthetic positions. Both prioritise individual experience and allow for a reading of certain artworks that focuses on the physical facts of perception; awareness of weight, light, scale etc. measured against the human experience.
By doing this you will demonstrate that you have done a literature search and that these authors write about information that is relevant to your topic. It also starts the ‘triangulation’ process. I.e. You don’t just put in unsupported information from one source or unsupported personal opinion.
Different types of paragraph demonstrate that you can analyse, research, paraphrase etc. But the most important type of writing is one that demonstrates that you can support your arguments with a demonstrable knowledge of appropriate academic texts.
Ability to write a paragraph that shows breadth of research and ability to triangulate is therefore very important.
Typically this would be something like this:
A number of authors have considered how (insert your particular idea/concept). Author1, (date), Author2, (date) and Author3 (date) have all commented upon the fact that (now use a specific example). For instance Author1 (specific example) writing in her account of (whatever you pick out) describes how (whatever). This is supported by the fact that Author2 etc
Now comment on and discuss their point.
So how does this look when you put selected text into the brackets and make a comment.
A number of authors have considered how both phenomenology and existentialism have been used to develop aesthetic theory, Smith, (1984), Brown, (1997) and Jones (2004) have all commented upon the fact that aesthetic ideas can be related to embodied thinking and the primacy of perception.
For instance Smith when analysing the work of Richard Serra writing in her account of art practice as a mode of experiencing reality describes how art can make a needed contribution to the study of perceptual consciousness.
This is supported by the fact that Brown in his study of art, light and phenomena also prioritises perception as being at the core of the aesthetic experience and that he believes that a parallel Existentialist reading can be developed from a close reading of Merleau Ponty’s text ‘Cezanne’s Doubt, (1945).
This position is clearly further supported by Jones in her analysis of James Turrell’s ‘Dear Shelter’ where she highlights the importance of individual experience and the ‘authenticity’ of the confrontation with Turrell‘s work.
Comment. These three authors support the development of an argument for a deep relationship between phenomenology and existentialism as aesthetic positions. Both prioritise individual experience and allow for a reading of certain artworks that focuses on the physical facts of perception; awareness of weight, light, scale etc. measured against the human experience.
By doing this you will demonstrate that you have done a literature search and that these authors write about information that is relevant to your topic. It also starts the ‘triangulation’ process. I.e. You don’t just put in unsupported information from one source or unsupported personal opinion.
Methodologies & Critical Analysis
The synthesis will happen possibly in supportive material or blogs and only referred to in the written elements.
The clearest evidence of critical analysis should be found in the written element.
Methods
How are you going to interpret your findings
The method will be unique to your project
How the information you have found is; sourced, collected, collated, presented.
Refer back to previous lectures that have emphasised the importance of evidence
Methodological approach is common sense, the development represents an academic level 6 understanding
A first class grade comes from effort being put into the methodological approach, and level 6 understanding of your chosen topic
You need to clearly evidence why you selected these methods of gathering information and selecting evidence and why they are the most appropriate for your study.
This will make you appear to be in control and aware of what you are doing
Nothing more complicated than a simple understanding, a way of focusing your project and getting to the core point
A systematic way of sifting through information to get to the key point
Not looking for a random methodology, it will need to be appropriate, that is the best way of investigating your chosen topic
This should occur in the introduction
A system of methods, principles, and rules for regulating a given discipline, as in the arts or sciences
An underlying principle and rule of organisation
" To describe and analyse.. methods, throwing light on their limitations and resources, clarifying their suppositions and consequences, relating their potentialities to the twilight zone at the frontiers of knowledge " Kaplan, 1973:93
Each methodology has it's own limitations and restrictions
"Without such methodological frankness, we run the risk of reporting 'knowledge that win so'" Miles 1994
Theories
These can help you decide upon the methods you use. Alternatively the material you find may suggest the appropriate theories
A particular conception or view of something
A proposed explanation
A theory is one element of a methodology; which incorporates making, and writing and collating
Examples of Theories
Communication thoery, J Friske
Marxism / Post-marxism Frankfurt School
Social History of Art, TJ Clarke
Gender Studies / Feminist, G Pollock
Postcolonialism (Race)
Communication Thoery; The Shannon-Weaver mathematical model 1949
Psychological theory / Psycho-analysis
Different lenses give different results; interpreting the same object
Just like a methodology theories need to be relevant to you
Action Research; practice based research, experiment and creation and act of making is a process of investigation, action research can be a methodological approach with the same value as any other type of methodology but you need to document this and think about how it could be used in a written argument or philosophical investigation
Processes of practice based research need some sort of theoretical lens, otherwise you run the risk of falling into subjectivism.
Choose the theory and methods most appropriate to your subject and practice. Everybody needs one, and discuss these with your tutor. Even if this doesn't sound academic or polished, you need a sketch of a methodology that in some way reflects an academic methodological approach.
Key Project Structure
methods - theories - application
1. Make decisions about how to collect and order information
2. Choose relevant theoretical stand point
3. Apply these to your study
4. Explicitly outline this in the introduction. Address suggested failing in the conclusion.
You methodology may be flawed and you may discover this over the duration of the project, this is fine but you need to evaluate this in your conclusion. You project can NOT be methodologically flawed and then pasted over at the end to cover these error over.
Have an informed reflection in the conclusion.
Critical Analysis
This is one of your key learning outcomes.
A professional judgment of art, or literature.
An informed opinion over a topic.
Critically analyse without bias.
A standard by which something can be judged.
Outlining ways in which we reach decisions about something.
How can we go about analysing and interpreting something?
Do not fall into subjectivism or personal opinion..
Critical means 'to choose from', not to 'slag off'.
From the greek word Kreinein, meaning to separate.
Skepticism
Reasoned Thinking
We do need your opinion, but if needs to be developed from an informed investigation
Decisions which are derived from logic
Awareness of perspectives
Things can be seen in two different ways; Wittgenstein's Duck-rabbit.. Reporting on this as either a duck or a rabbit is simply the way you see the world. To report on it as a duck and a rabbit and saying there are two sides to this image is being aware of the multiple sides. This is important, you need to be aware of the different ways things can be interpreted.
Don't be scared of voicing your opinion, but make sure you document this theory in the introduction. No-one is objective, every is subjective. But critical analysis is about making that subjectivism really rigorous. Say something with conviction and bias and back that up, with a full detailed body of research. There is nothing worse than an argument that says; 'there is this take of something, and this take of something'. This disguises the fact that you have opinion. Do not do this.
Some perspectives that you might adopt or encounter; marxism, etc.
Different writers and authors also have their own perceptions. So don't just believe that a specific persons theories are correct, being critical is about interrogating the source you are studying and analysing their flaws.
How is MY choice of topic influenced by my emotions, aspirations and context?
Self-reflexivity; where am I coming from? Your own opinion.
Context is everything. Consider the influence of one or more of the following; the time, place, society, politics, economics, technology and philosophy or even scientific thought... How do these relate and inform your studies.
This is not about writing a summary of marx and stating this is what he said, it's about analysing what he said and looking deeper into the meaning. Why did he say this? What else was going on at this time? This is what we are looking for in your writing. Do not just report a number of theories, analyse and compare them.
Evidence - Critical distance - Theories - Critical analysis fused into a coherent response
As you are writing, do not just make points, back everything up with evidence. Evidence can be quotes, and other forms as research such as empirical, data, surveys, etc.
Could you find more evidence to support your conclusions? You need to find numerous levels and sources of evidence.
Evidence - Reason - Logic - Argument
Argument. Do not rush into writing. The argument needs to progress and be a development from your research and analysis. What do I want to say? Have I got the evidence to back this up? Do I need triangulation?
Triangulation. Evidence that you have looked at more than one source and found an answer within multiple different theories. Finding commonalities. Marrying different theories and works by different authors together.
This can be easily evidenced in writing, and has been practiced at Level 5.
A short guide to writing about Art - Sylvan Barnet (excellent book to help you reference other work)
The synthesis will happen possibly in supportive material or blogs and only referred to in the written elements.
The clearest evidence of critical analysis should be found in the written element.
Methods
How are you going to interpret your findings
The method will be unique to your project
How the information you have found is; sourced, collected, collated, presented.
Refer back to previous lectures that have emphasised the importance of evidence
Methodological approach is common sense, the development represents an academic level 6 understanding
A first class grade comes from effort being put into the methodological approach, and level 6 understanding of your chosen topic
You need to clearly evidence why you selected these methods of gathering information and selecting evidence and why they are the most appropriate for your study.
This will make you appear to be in control and aware of what you are doing
Nothing more complicated than a simple understanding, a way of focusing your project and getting to the core point
A systematic way of sifting through information to get to the key point
Not looking for a random methodology, it will need to be appropriate, that is the best way of investigating your chosen topic
This should occur in the introduction
A system of methods, principles, and rules for regulating a given discipline, as in the arts or sciences
An underlying principle and rule of organisation
" To describe and analyse.. methods, throwing light on their limitations and resources, clarifying their suppositions and consequences, relating their potentialities to the twilight zone at the frontiers of knowledge " Kaplan, 1973:93
Each methodology has it's own limitations and restrictions
"Without such methodological frankness, we run the risk of reporting 'knowledge that win so'" Miles 1994
Theories
These can help you decide upon the methods you use. Alternatively the material you find may suggest the appropriate theories
A particular conception or view of something
A proposed explanation
A theory is one element of a methodology; which incorporates making, and writing and collating
Examples of Theories
Communication thoery, J Friske
Marxism / Post-marxism Frankfurt School
Social History of Art, TJ Clarke
Gender Studies / Feminist, G Pollock
Postcolonialism (Race)
Communication Thoery; The Shannon-Weaver mathematical model 1949
Psychological theory / Psycho-analysis
Different lenses give different results; interpreting the same object
Just like a methodology theories need to be relevant to you
Action Research; practice based research, experiment and creation and act of making is a process of investigation, action research can be a methodological approach with the same value as any other type of methodology but you need to document this and think about how it could be used in a written argument or philosophical investigation
Processes of practice based research need some sort of theoretical lens, otherwise you run the risk of falling into subjectivism.
Choose the theory and methods most appropriate to your subject and practice. Everybody needs one, and discuss these with your tutor. Even if this doesn't sound academic or polished, you need a sketch of a methodology that in some way reflects an academic methodological approach.
Key Project Structure
methods - theories - application
1. Make decisions about how to collect and order information
2. Choose relevant theoretical stand point
3. Apply these to your study
4. Explicitly outline this in the introduction. Address suggested failing in the conclusion.
You methodology may be flawed and you may discover this over the duration of the project, this is fine but you need to evaluate this in your conclusion. You project can NOT be methodologically flawed and then pasted over at the end to cover these error over.
Have an informed reflection in the conclusion.
Critical Analysis
This is one of your key learning outcomes.
A professional judgment of art, or literature.
An informed opinion over a topic.
Critically analyse without bias.
A standard by which something can be judged.
Outlining ways in which we reach decisions about something.
How can we go about analysing and interpreting something?
Do not fall into subjectivism or personal opinion..
Critical means 'to choose from', not to 'slag off'.
From the greek word Kreinein, meaning to separate.
Skepticism
Reasoned Thinking
We do need your opinion, but if needs to be developed from an informed investigation
Decisions which are derived from logic
Awareness of perspectives
Things can be seen in two different ways; Wittgenstein's Duck-rabbit.. Reporting on this as either a duck or a rabbit is simply the way you see the world. To report on it as a duck and a rabbit and saying there are two sides to this image is being aware of the multiple sides. This is important, you need to be aware of the different ways things can be interpreted.
Don't be scared of voicing your opinion, but make sure you document this theory in the introduction. No-one is objective, every is subjective. But critical analysis is about making that subjectivism really rigorous. Say something with conviction and bias and back that up, with a full detailed body of research. There is nothing worse than an argument that says; 'there is this take of something, and this take of something'. This disguises the fact that you have opinion. Do not do this.
Some perspectives that you might adopt or encounter; marxism, etc.
Different writers and authors also have their own perceptions. So don't just believe that a specific persons theories are correct, being critical is about interrogating the source you are studying and analysing their flaws.
How is MY choice of topic influenced by my emotions, aspirations and context?
Self-reflexivity; where am I coming from? Your own opinion.
Context is everything. Consider the influence of one or more of the following; the time, place, society, politics, economics, technology and philosophy or even scientific thought... How do these relate and inform your studies.
This is not about writing a summary of marx and stating this is what he said, it's about analysing what he said and looking deeper into the meaning. Why did he say this? What else was going on at this time? This is what we are looking for in your writing. Do not just report a number of theories, analyse and compare them.
Evidence - Critical distance - Theories - Critical analysis fused into a coherent response
As you are writing, do not just make points, back everything up with evidence. Evidence can be quotes, and other forms as research such as empirical, data, surveys, etc.
Could you find more evidence to support your conclusions? You need to find numerous levels and sources of evidence.
Evidence - Reason - Logic - Argument
Argument. Do not rush into writing. The argument needs to progress and be a development from your research and analysis. What do I want to say? Have I got the evidence to back this up? Do I need triangulation?
Triangulation. Evidence that you have looked at more than one source and found an answer within multiple different theories. Finding commonalities. Marrying different theories and works by different authors together.
This can be easily evidenced in writing, and has been practiced at Level 5.
A short guide to writing about Art - Sylvan Barnet (excellent book to help you reference other work)
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