This document provides the assignment requirements for a four-page research paper on an artwork based on a myth from classical mythology. Students must choose a relevant artwork, discuss its historical and cultural context, the myth it depicts, symbolic elements within the artwork, and how modern media reflects similar themes. The paper must be double-spaced in 12-point Arial font with 1-inch margins and cite at least five sources using MLA style citations and a Works Cited page. An optional draft is due on April 3rd and the final paper is due on April 17th.

1. Mythology in Art & Literature
Professor Will Adams · Wadams5@valenciacollege.edu
Osceola Campus – Building 2, Room 232 · Mondays & Wednesdays, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Research Project Assignment
For your research project this term, you will choose an artwork that is based on a legend or myth
from Classical mythology. After receiving your artwork, you will be required to create a four-page,
research-based essay.
Structure & Contents
1. Title Page (Unnumbered): Include your name, the title of your paper, the course, and the
date
2. First Page
a. Introduction of Essay: Discuss the essential nature of art, myth, or story for human
beings. What is the most important function that they serve? How have those
functions changed over time? How have they stayed the same?
b. Introduction of Artwork: Based on the previous paragraph, how does your artwork
fit into the framework of human history? Who created it? When? Where? From what
materials? Discuss historical context, artist biography, and technical innovations in
this section. (This section may continue on to your second page as necessary).
3. Second Page – Third Page
a. What is the story, myth, or legend being depicted in the artwork? Do not simply
limit yourself to the scene being shown in the work – be sure to give background
and context concerning both the characters involved in the scene and the setting in
which the scene takes place.
b. Also discuss the society that created the myth upon which the artwork is based, and
how the story, myth, or legend being shown may or may not be representative of
that society’s ideals, principles, or beliefs.
4. Third Page
a. Identify and discuss in detail the various symbols that artist includes within the
artwork that allow the viewer to obtain a greater understanding of the scene
depicted, or its societal importance; they may take the form of animals, colors,

2. fruits or vegetables, characters, plants, objects, geographical features, or even
people.
b. Be sure to consult texts discussing artistic symbolism when delving into this portion
of your discussion.
5. Fourth Page
a. Identify and illustrate contemporary examples of the artwork’s theme as evidenced
in today’s popular media.
b. Explain how the themes and concerns of the Classical world are not terribly
different than those of modern society. You may choose to illustrate this point
using examples from cinema, music, television, or electronic games.
c. Conclusion: Discuss why the information, themes, and symbolism discussed within
your paper are important. Do not introduce any new subjects for discussion and do
not simply summarize your essay for the reader. Instead, let your reader know what
he or she should have learned or understood from having read your work.
6. Works Cited Page (Unnumbered)
Formatting Specifications
1. Your essay should be four full body pages, not including the cover & Works Cited pages
2. Its text should be double-spaced, and set in size 12 Arial font
3. The pages should have standard 1 inch margins on all four sides
4. MLA Citation Style must be used to document your sources by:
a. Using in-text parenthetical citations
b. Including a fully-realized MLA-formatted Works Cited page at the end of your essay,
including all works cited in-text
5. You must use a minimum of 5 different sources
6. The only sources you may use are books or periodicals from a library, or articles from a
database
7. Your essay must also have a cover page affixed to the front
8. The four-page minimum does NOT include either your cover page or Works Cited page
9. You may turn in one working draft for my feedback via email on Monday, April 3rd.
10. Your finished, typed, stapled essay will be due at the beginning of class on Monday, April 17th.