First Short Essay: "Why Art?"

Art is so hard to define. Some people would say that it's impossible because art is always shifting and moving. Still, lots of artists and critics have tried to formulate words that aim to describe what art is, what art does, why people make and consume art. My favorite definition is by the Black American poet Amiri Baraka: "Art is what makes you proud to be human." 

This web listicle (published way back in 2014) gives 27 definitions. Most of them were written by dead white men from Europe and America. Only one, Georgia O'Keefe, makes the cut. This seems outrageous in 2021, doesn't it? 

For your essay, choose one of these 27 definitions and place it at the very beginning of your essay. This is called an "epigraph" (which means "before writing").

Why did you choose this particular definition? Do you agree with it, disagree with it, have mixed feelings about it? Why? Explain. Give examples from your life or other things you know. Tell stories. Use your "I" voice. Be controversial if that's your jam. Be conciliatory if that's your jam. Assert your ideas.

Those of you who took my Reading and Composition class last semester remember my unusual format for these short essays. Here's what I'm looking for: 

1. Two columns

2. Single-spaced (One full page is sufficient; use a second page if you like.)

3. The default font should be Times New Roman, 11 pt.

4. Insert an image in the top left column. This could be your own work or something appropriated from the internet. Don't worry about copyright, because it doesn't apply to educational purposes like this. 

5. After the image, give your essay a meaningful title.

6. After the title, simply type your name (no date or MLA type of format).

7. After your name, insert the quotation, the epigraph you've chosen from the Mental Floss inventory of 27 responses.

8. Write your essay (which will probably be between 4 and 8 paragraphs).

9. Proofread carefully.

10. Upload your draft to Populi next Tuesday. 

Your first graded essay will be due one week from today, January 28, at 9:00 am. A required (ungraded) draft is due next Tuesday, January 26, at 9:00 am. If you choose to not upload a draft, your final score will be dropped one point (10%)