September 2 In-Class Activity: Assessment Notes

Link to PDF of Sept 2nd Activity

Overall Performance Summary

Class Average: 75%

What You Did Well

Strong Theoretical Understanding Many of you demonstrated a solid grasp of the core concept that race is socially constructed rather than biologically determined. Several responses effectively explained how racial categories were created to justify inequality and maintain power structures.

Visual Analysis Skills The strongest responses included specific observations about artistic techniques - positioning of figures, use of light and shadow, foreground vs. background placement, and clothing details. Students who earned higher scores supported their interpretations with concrete visual evidence.

Recognition of Power Dynamics Many responses successfully identified how artworks reflect racial hierarchies, particularly in the Benjamin West painting with Colonel Guy Johnson in prominence and Karonghyonte in the shadows. You understood how artistic choices reinforce social structures.

Engagement with Contemporary Reinterpretation Several students provided thoughtful analysis of Sasha Huber’s artwork, Tailoring Freedom. Many of you demonstrated an understanding of how contemporary artists can reclaim historical narratives and restore dignity to dehumanized subjects.

Areas Requiring Improvement

Address Both Parts of the Assignment Question A significant number of responses failed to address whether your interpretation changed after learning about race as a social construct. This reflection on your learning journey is essential to demonstrate engagement with course material.

Use Specific Examples Generic statements about "art in general" or references to "one of the paintings" detract from your analysis. Choose one specific artwork and analyze it thoroughly rather than making broad generalizations.

Connect to Course Vocabulary Many responses discussed related topics (class differences, general social issues) without explicitly connecting to the concept of "race as a social construct." Use course terminology and demonstrate understanding of this specific theoretical framework.

Develop Your Analysis Brief responses that only scratch the surface miss opportunities to demonstrate critical thinking. Explain WHY artistic choices matter and HOW they reinforce or challenge racial hierarchies.

Common Issues to Address

Clarity and Organization Several responses contained run-on sentences, unclear connections between ideas, or lacked logical structure. Break complex thoughts into clear, focused sentences.

Specificity Over Generalization Instead of "the painting shows different races," write "the white figure's central positioning and bright lighting contrast with the Native American figure's placement in shadow, suggesting a hierarchy of importance."

Missing Personal Reflection The assignment specifically asks about changes in YOUR interpretation. Include before/after statements about your understanding.

Incomplete Submissions A few students submitted only partial responses or failed to address the assignment question directly. Ensure you fully read and respond to all components of the prompt.

Moving Forward

For Future Assignments:

Always address all parts of the question

Use specific examples with concrete details

Connect your analysis to course concepts and vocabulary

Include personal reflection on your learning

Proofread for clarity and organization

Successful Responses:

State how understanding race as social construct changes art interpretation

Choose ONE specific artwork from class

Describe specific visual elements you observe

Explain how these elements reflect racial dynamics

Reflect on how your interpretation changed through course learning

The strongest responses in this assignment demonstrated that understanding race as a social construct fundamentally shifts how we read historical American art - from seeing neutral representations to recognizing deliberate choices that created, reinforced, or challenged racial hierarchies.