Assignments

Essays

The third essay is on the first 69 pages of Axel and Levent: The first pages introduce ideas and techniques and lead to Elliot Eisner's criticism beginning on page 63 of the idea that "sensory experience is low on the hierarchy of intellectual functioning." Eisner offers a quote from Arnheim. Discuss Eisner's and Arnheim's views, making reference to the material that precedes the Eisner article. [Other useful sources include Kennedy and Gabias, 1985, Perception, see Axel and Levent page 83 and Kennedy and Merkas, 2000, in Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, vol 31, pages 1013 - 1026, available by request.]
Due 3rd February week of class

The fourth essay is on the research section of Axel and Levent pages 74 - 199. What are the main claims about pictures and the blind that are supported by empirical evidence? Show the connection between theory and evidence. Which major claims remain to be tested? Discuss Hopkins and Lopes when considering claims that need to be examined. Mention outline and perspective, and active and passive (guided) exploration of pictures and other materials.
Due 24th February week of class

The fifth essay is on practice, as evident in Axel and Levent. What
are museums and galleries doing, as a result of evidence, and which of
their programs are within the limits of present evidence and which go
beyond the present evidence?
Due 9th March week of class

The sixth essay is on the future: Given recent findings on pictures
and the blind, what needs to be done? What theory needs to be developed? What practices? What hypotheses require empirical tests? Be sure to describe and discuss recent findings, from several studies published in the past three years.
Due 30th March week of class.