martin luther king museum
Aesthetic Encounter Report
Assignment Sheet
As one of the requirements for Humanities 1000, you will write two reports about aesthetic encounters in which you “participate” (defined as sustained, undivided attention) this semester. Before beginning an encounter, consult with me to see that it is an acceptable topic for the assignment. Museums, art exhibits, and religious exhibits that deal with human cultures from any era will generally be approved. Simple literary analysis is never appropriate for this assignment. Also, extra credit activities may not “count” as aesthetic encounters.
Your encounter should have three sections:
The Facts. Answer the reporter’s questions. Tell who, what, when, where, and why. Provide the information that would allow another person to engage in the same aesthetic encounter you did.
Interpretation and evaluation. Tell what you think about the meaning of what you saw or heard. Comment on technique and style. Use this section to give the audience a sense of how and to what extent the encounter measured up to your own aesthetic criteria.
Participation. Using specific examples, tell why the encounter succeeded or failed to maintain your sustained, undivided attention. Give a clear picture of why the encounter ultimately did or did not have an impact upon you personally.
