Writing an art history dissertation is no easy task. It requires a tremendous amount of research, analysis, and synthesis to create an original argument on a topic related to the field of art history.
For students who are unfamiliar with the process, it can be daunting. However, with careful planning and dedication, anyone can successfully write an art history dissertation.
The first step in writing an art history dissertation is to choose a topic that is interesting and pertinent to the field. It is important to select a topic that can be adequately researched and supported by evidence from primary and secondary sources.
Once you have chosen your topic, you will need to develop an outline for your paper. This outline should include the major points you wish to make in your argument as well as any sources you plan on using for support.
After developing your outline, it is time to begin researching your topic. This involves looking for both primary and secondary sources related to your subject matter.
Primary sources are original documents such as artwork or letters written by artists and other individuals during the time period in which the artwork was created or exhibited. Secondary sources are documents written by scholars who have studied the artwork or artist in depth. As you research your topic, make sure to keep track of all of your sources so that they can be properly cited later on in your paper.
Once you have gathered all of your research materials, it is time to begin writing the actual paper itself. This should begin with an introduction which outlines the main points of your argument and provides some background information about the artwork or artist that you are discussing.
Next, present each point of evidence that supports your thesis statement followed by an explanation for why it is pertinent or relevant to the discussion at hand. Finally, draw a conclusion from all of this evidence which explains how it supports or refutes your thesis statement as well as what implications this has for further study within the field of art history.
Conclusion: Writing an art history dissertation requires dedication and hard work but can ultimately be very rewarding once complete. By carefully choosing a relevant topic and conducting thorough research into both primary and secondary sources, anyone can craft an engaging thesis statement which they can then support with evidence throughout their paper before drawing conclusions from this evidence which demonstrate its relevance within the field of art history.