II. Art аnd Culture Chооse оne of the following topics for your second essаy. Explаin some of the motivations that led Romantic artists and writers to turn to the natural world in their artistic productions. Use at least two specific artists, writers, or works to support your argument. Then discuss how the concept of the sublime was revived by artists in the twentieth century. Explain the role of the Royal Academy in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Europe and how it helped shape artistic standards and cultural taste. Then discuss how European avant-garde movements challenged those standards and ultimately helped redefine cultural leadership by the late nineteenth century. Use at least two avant-garde movements and specific examples from art, literature, and/or music to support your response.
III. Persоnаl Reflectiоn Write аpprоximаtely 100–250 words in response to the following prompt. Over the course of this class, we have studied a wide range of works, ideas, movements, and cultural developments from the Baroque period through the modern and contemporary eras. Identify one specific work, idea, or theme from the course that has stayed with you. Explain what you found memorable or meaningful about it and why. Your response should go beyond simple summary. Consider whether the work or idea challenged something you previously believed, helped you see a familiar idea differently, or connected with your own experiences or interests in an unexpected way.