Spring 2020 Research Project Instructions

my chosen photographer is stan Williams
ENGLISH 101
Spring 2020 Research Project Instructions
This semester we have been exploring how photographs can be used as instruments of
communication. As we have examined in class, photographs are powerful tools that can shape
viewers’ perception of a particular story, event, or social issue. We will consider the work of
photographers and visual activists in relation to the topics and theories we have been
considering. How have these photographers used the images they create in order to
communicate with the viewer? What messages are they expressing, and what methods have
they used so that they will resonate?
Your research project will analyse at least two images from a particular photographer,
examining the messages being conveyed to the viewer.
A list of potential photographers follows. You may also choose to examine a photographer not
on the list, but you must e-mail me your request and wait for my approval before you begin your
research.
You will provide background information relating to the photographer when appropriate,
but it is important to remember that the focus of your research paper is how their
photographs can be used to spread awareness, and the methods they use in order to
effectively communicate with viewers.
Students will sign up for their selected photographer at the beginning of our live class on
Wednesday, June 10th, or Thursday, June 11th.
The limit is 6 students per subject, so be aware that you may not get your first choice. Have one
or two back up options ready. You will sign up as you enter the live class, so be punctual, and
be immediately ready to give the name of your chosen photographer.
Research
You are required to search for and examine scholarly sources to broaden your knowledge and
support your thesis. Students must use two academic journal articles, which are essays written
by scholars for peer-reviewed journals. Dictionaries, encyclopedias, newspaper and magazine
articles, blog entries, book reviews, documentaries and textbooks are not academic journal
articles. You may use these sources during your research, but they do not count as academic
journal articles.
To access academic journal articles, you can use Coquitlam College’s eLibrary academic
search subscription to search for journal articles: click on the eLibrary icon to begin your
searches. Google Scholar is also useful. We will examine this process.
Research Essay (20%):
Students will write an essay (approximately 1500 words) as well as a Works Cited list.
The first paragraph of your essay will introduce the subject that you have chosen to research,
leading up to your thesis statement. You will provide support for your thesis statement in the
core paragraphs of your essay, referencing the academic sources you have accessed. You will
finish your essay with a clear and concise conclusion.
Deadlines:
● If you would like detailed feedback for your writing before the final exam, your essay
deadline is Monday, June 29th (English 101F, G) or Tuesday, June 30th (English 101P,
Q)
● If you DO NOT require detailed feedback before the final exam, your essay deadline is
Sunday, July 5th (all classes). You will not receive your essay grade or feedback
before the final exam.
All essays will be submitted via C4 and checked for plagiarism and sharing materials among
students. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Interview (5%):
Students will meet with me via Zoom to follow up on their research findings. In this interview
(lasting approximately five minutes), I will ask questions about their learning experience and
research process. Be prepared to answer specific questions about your essay. These interviews
will take place during regularly scheduled class times in week eleven (July 6th-9th) You will be
given an interview time and failure to attend will result in a grade of zero for this portion of the
assignment.
All students are welcome to see me during office hours for consultations regarding this research
project.
Suggested Photographers
You may choose a photographer from this list. If you would like to choose another
photographer, you must submit your suggestion via e-mail and wait for my reply before you
begin your research.
There will be a maximum of six students per photographer per class.
Students will sign up for their selected photographer at the beginning of our live class on
Wednesday, June 10th, or Thursday, June 11th.
Joshua Rashaad McFadden http://www.joshuarashaad.com
Martha Rosler http://www.martharosler.net
Mary Ellen Mark http://www.maryellenmark.com
Newsha Tavakolian https://www.newshatavakolian.com
Sebastiao Salgado
https://thephotographersgallery.org.uk/print-sales/explore-artists/sebastiao-salgado
Paul Nicklen https://www.paulnicklen.com
Stan Williams http://www.stanwilliams.ca
Zanele Muholi https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/zanele-muholi