Running Head: ART 133 Unit Paper 2

ART 133 Unit 2 Paper

Rosy Castaneda

Professor Ward

Sacramento State University of California

Running Head: ART 133 Unit Paper 2

2
The two main subjects in the readings this week from Barrett (2003) and Hurwitz, A., &

Day, M. (2007) were power and interpretation. Barrett went into depth about the interpretation of

a magazine cover of Destinys child. It is stated that the cover was interpreted by students, they

mentioned that the cover of the magazine asserts that they are in charge of their sexuality (pg.

5). The big idea here is that although the discussion began rather innocent with interpreting

booty as loot (pg. 4), it lead the students to discover that it was a very sexual magazine

cover. The women were seen as powerful and a symbol of sexual strength because of their attire.

This was a great way of showing how sexuality in the 21st century is now common and being

overly exposed is the normal. It isnt something that was always accepted but it has changed so

much that having a class discussion on sexual interpretation isnt even an uncomfortable subject

anymore. Power was shown in Hurwitz and Days article in several ways. The big idea here was

the power of the media, Because students are so involved in visual media, including magazines,

billboards, shopping malls, and amusement parks (pg. 77). This article covered the power of

the media in the 21st century. It influences children more than we think because the advertising

is everywhere.

I think in order to change the big idea of power, I would have them write what are items

they cant live without. Then I would have them draw the item and perhaps explain why the item

has so much power over their life. In order for it to have a 21st century twist on power, I would

say that I would want students to make a collage of powerful people. Then I would have them

talk about the power that these people have and how it has influenced society.

References

Barrett, T. (2003). Interpreting visual culture. Art Education, 56(2), 6-12.

Running Head: ART 133 Unit Paper 2

Hurwitz, A., & Day, M. (2007). Children and their art: Methods for the elementary school, (8th
ed.). Thompson Wadsworth.