Social Class

Landscape and Class John Barrell and T.J. Clark are remarkably aligned scholars of social class and the history of art. For both, their main focus is the representation of socio-economic difference in the 19th century—a time where there was a profound growth and transformation in urban centers, and agrarianism was giving way to industrialism. While aligned, Barrell and Clark focus on different contexts—Britain and France—and examine artists/artworks with incredibly divergent politics (i.e. the differences in the landed nobility of England and Courbet’s Bohemianism). Drawing from one example of the English landscape in Barrell and one work by Courbet as discussed by Clark, this essay asks you to compare and contrast how these artists depict landscape as a social history. You will need to draw from Barrell and Clark’s essays as evidence to prove your point (and I will be looking heavily at your ability to apply their readings to artworks). Please be sure to clearly describe your thesis, and to write in clear, descriptive and well-organized sentences.   Formatting: -Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double spaced, 1” margins, 2 pgs.  -Endnotes formatted in Chicago Style (https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/chicago_manual_17th_edition/chicago_style_introduction.html) -Submit essay in e-learning Dropbox. Rating Scale: Structure and Argument (25 points) How well does the student set out the key issues and ideas in the artworks/readings? Does the student have a clearly written thesis statement? Does the conclusion clearly express the student’s judgment as an independent viewpoint?             (no)     1          2          3          4          5          (yes) Knowledge and Understanding (35 points) How well a student describes and analyzes relevant and important issues and concepts  within the social history of landscape. Can the student apply the readings to artworks?  Are quotations placed into context? Is material handled accurately/factually.              (no)     1          2          3          4          5          (yes) Use of Sources (20 points) How accurately and critically the student uses sources from Barrell and Clark. Does the   student use sources to make illuminating connections? Do they provide contextual  analysis of their sources, or merely quote them? Are citations accurately cited as endnotes in Chicago?             (no)     1          2          3          4          5          (yes) Style and Presentation (20 points) Does the student use grammar, punctuation, and syntax properly? Is the essay well-written, organized and clear to read?             (no)     1          2          3          4          5          (yes)