Midterm Research Paper
Select and view one of the following films and write a response.
Helvetica, by Gary Hustwit, Shelby Siegel, and Luke Geissbuhler, Z246.H454 2007
Eames: The Architect and the Painter, by Jason Cohn and Bill Jersey, NK1535.E25 E26 2011
Typeface, by Justine Nagan, Z250.5.W65 T97 2010
Objectified, by Gary Hustwit, Joe Beshenkovsky, and Luke Geissbuhler, TS171.O25 2009
Bauhaus In Weimar: 1919–1923, by Tim Benton, N332.G3 B38 1993 AND
Bauhaus: The Face of the 20th Century, by Frank Whitford and Julia Cave, N332.G33 B488 2007
All films are on reserve in the CCA SF Library and some are also available for live streaming or
download. Check with the CCA Library for help.
You will need to conduct additional academic research on the subject or designers featured in
the film you select in order to develop the context to appropriately respond. This will involve the
locating, reading, and distilling of background sources, exhibits, and arguments – both written
and visual – in support of the thesis or point of view you present in your response.
Discuss the way(s) in which the designers or subjects of your film were/are influenced by:
1. Social/political purpose – The designer/design work/subject had a clear intent to impact/alter
society, or generate a movement of social or political change; or was influenced by the social
and political conditions of their/its era.
2. Cultural beliefs – The designer/design work reflects, or is reflected in attitudes, approaches, or
themes demonstrated in other arts movements (visual fine art, music, theater, dance, etc.) or in
cultural belief systems (religion, language, ethnic traditions, folk tales, etc.).
3. Technological developments – The designer/design work is dependent on or takes advantage
of new media, technologies of (re)production, methods of manufacture, or distribution.
4. Formal/aesthetic considerations – Analyze the designer/design work based on visual style or
conditions of representation, or explain the visualization of the designer’s personal voice as a
means of interpreting the content.
Support and defend your point of view, claims, and arguments with visual exhibits and credible
cited sources.
Length
Minimum 1000 – maximum 2000 words.
File naming
Lastname_GDHMidterm_2018F.pdf
Format and Composition
Your paper should be an essay with evidence and exhibits cited to support your thesis, opinions,
and arguments. Integrate visual examples to reinforce or illustrate your contentions.
Sources
All sources must be cited in MLA style. You must also cite your image sources.
Due
Final: Friday, October 12 in both hard copy (in class) and PDF (posted to class Googl