Discussion 2: Tattoo as an Artform (Purposes and Functions)

Learning Objective

In this assignment, students will describe and examine a work of art (in this instance, a tattoo) in its social and cultural context as it relates to six different purposes and functions.

Before you get started, be sure to read

Plagiarism Warning!

All student submissions are rigorously checked for the inclusion of AI generated content. This includes your initial post and responses to your classmates. You will receive zero points for every submission which includes any AI generated content, with or without citation. In addition, do not use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, or other AI composition software to ideate, pre-plan, edit, translate, or otherwise create material you claim to be solely your creation. Do your best work, but keep in mind that it doesn’t need to be perfect. I will give you a fair score for submitting your own, original work, even if it has flaws, because it tells me that you care about learning and that you are trying.

For more information please read the

Overview

Tattooing has a long and varied tradition, dating back 1,000 years. During the early 19th century, the art of tattooing was brought from Polynesia to Europe by sailors, and was mainly the domain of men. In the present day, however, tattooing has become ubiquitous, with both men and women adorning their bodies with tattoos, often as a fashion statement. In fact, in America today, one in five people have tattoos, and 36% of people aged 18-29 have tattoos.

Your Assignment

In this Discussion, you will select a specific image of a tattoo, then post a 500-750 word analysis in which you explain the primary purpose or function represented in the tattoo. You will base your analysis on the concepts from the reading and videos, as well as your own ideas and insights.

This Discussion is worth 100 points. Please read the instructions and Grading Rubric before you begin.

Due Date

• Your contributions to this Discussion are due by Sunday, Feb. 22 at 11:59 p.m
• Your responses to posts by at least two different classmates is due by Sunday, Mar. 1 at 11:59 p.m.

You must post in the Discussion before you can read your classmates’ posts.

Instructions and Grading Criteria

Before you begin, review the reading and study guides for pages 20-34 of Artforms. Also, be sure to watch the

Organize What You Plan to Write

Important! Approach this discussion as you would if you were writing a college paper. In other words, don’t just start writing in the discussion board without having a plan. I recommend that you open a Word Doc or Google Doc, turn on version history, then write and revise a polished 500-750 word paper, which you will copy and paste into your discussion post.

• Outline – Start with an outline and organize your analysis into separate topical paragraphs that begin with topic sentences (see below). It may be helpful to use headings.
• First Paragraph – In your first paragraph, introduce and describe the tattoo you chose and clearly state the primary purpose or function represented in the tattoo. You will explain more in the subsequent paragraphs.
• Subsequent Paragraphs – Support your choice of purpose or function in each of the subsequent paragraphs. Use reasoning that demonstrates a clear understanding of key concepts from the reading and videos.
• Topic Sentences – At the beginning of each of the subsequent paragraphs, write a concise topic sentence that clearly states the key point you plan to make in that paragraph. This approach will make it easier for your reader follow your key points and how they support your choice of purpose or function.
• Stay focused on the tattoo you are writing about and don’t wander off-topic. Support your key points with clear descriptions and observations of the image you selected.

Step One – Search for an Image

First, you must search online for a clear image of an actual tattoo. You will post this image in Step Two and use it as the basis for your discussion. If you like, you may share images of your own tattoos. In either case, please only select images that are appropriate within the standards of this institution – NO nudity or anything too graphic, and please post images that are clear and easy to discern. High resolution images are preferred.

Helpful tip: Think out of the box. As you search for an image, don’t limit yourself to only traditional tattoos. There are so many complex, original and beautiful contemporary tattoos, out there. Select a design that is really interesting to you.

Step Two: Post in the Class Discussion

Your post is worth 80 possible points

First, post the image you found in Step One. Follow these instructions that explain

Next, in 500-750 words, explain how the tattoo you chose is an example of one of the Purposes and Functions listed below. Please note that the tattoo might be an example of a few different purposes and functions. However, you must select only one purpose or function, the one that best applies to the tattoo you chose, then cogently explain and justify your choice based on concepts from the reading and videos.

Purposes and Functions of Art

• Art as Commentary
• Art in Worship and Ritual
• Art for Commemoration
• Art for Persuasion
• Art as Self-Expression (unique and autobiographical)

Please note: Because of the personal nature of tattooing one’s body, all tattoos might be viewed as Art as Self-Expression. As such, please do not write about the tattoo as Art as Self-Expression unless the tattoo truly expresses something unique and autobiographical about the person wearing the tattoo.

Helpful tip: Before you write your post, take some time to apply what you know about each of the purposes and functions to the tattoo you chose. Write down the characteristics that would qualify the tattoo as being Art as Commentary, Art for Worship and Ritual, Art for Commemoration, etc. Do this for each purpose and function listed below. This process will help you identify the purpose and function that best applies to the tattoo you chose.

To help you think about your post, consider the following:

(You are not required to answer each of these questions. This list is included to help get you thinking.)

• What are the main features of the tattoo? Describe them.
• What makes it unique compared to other tattoos you’ve seen. Explain.
• What is the level of skill or training required to execute the tattoo?
• Is there a tradition behind the design? Describe it.
• Is the tattoo a symbol of a group? If so, tell us about that group and why they use this style of tattoo.
• What type of statement is being made by the person wearing the tattoo?

You are welcome to do more research about the tattoo, but it is not required. I’m mostly interested in your original thought and how well you apply concepts from the reading and videos. Remember to cite your sources and do not plagiarize or cut and paste information from the internet!

Step Three: Respond to Two Classmates

Each post is worth 10 possible points (20 points total)

Next, review the posts of your classmates. Post a substantive and cogent response to a post by two different classmates (at least 100 words each). Consider the key issues that underpin this topic, including the characteristics of the tattoo, the statement being made, the training/skill level of the artist, traditions, personal choices, etc.

• Do you agree or disagree with their reasoning for their choice of purpose or function? Why or why not.
• Did they leave out something important? If you think so, introduce this to the discussion.
• Did you find something interesting in the post, but you don’t fully understand? Politely ask them to clarify for you.

Grading

This Discussion topic is broadly framed and there is no right or wrong answer. Instead, you will be graded on how well you demonstrate your ability to think clearly about this topic and to logically support your ideas with concepts from the reading and videos.

Before you submit your posts, take a little more time to proofread and revise your work to make sure that what you write actually conveys what you intend to say. Your posts must be clearly-written, well-supported, grammatically correct, and free of spelling and punctuation errors. This is a college level assignment!

Assignment Feedback

I care very much about the quality of the work you submit and I will carefully read, evaluate, and provide feedback on your post within approximately one week after you submit responses to your classmates (usually sooner).

As you can imagine, this takes time and I appreciate your patience while I assess your work.

Learn how to

Please review the Grading Rubric before you begin. You can view the Grading Rubric by clicking the three dots in the upper right of this page, then click “Show Rubric.” Here are more .

Earn a High Grade

1. Before you begin, read all of the instructions, as well as the rubric.
2. Focus on the key ideas contained in the weekly reading and videos.
3. Start with an outline and organize your main points into separate topical paragraphs.
4. Write concise and complete sentences that clearly convey what you intend to say.
5. Write in third person, present tense, as much as possible.
6. Support your statements with careful observations about each tattoo.
7. Include your own insights that support your key point please use a picture of a random tatto and no AI use pleas